# Kaleidoscopic Psychedelic Photography This Surreal Still Life Series Defies Notions of Taste By Farida Helmy | Published 2014-06-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-still-life References: [featureshoot](http://www.featureshoot.com/2014/06/tripping-daisy-psychedelic-floral-arrangements-created-from-99-cent-store-items/) & [melissaeder](http://melissaeder.com/home.html) If you're looking to electrify your sight senses then take a look at this dizzying surreal still life series. Instead of the stereotypical bowl of fruits or nude woman by the window, artist Melissa Eder goes for a typical still life subject but gives it a hypnotic twist. The [psychedelically surreal still life series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1) was created using items Eder bought only from different 99 cent stores in New York City and New Jersey. The 'Can You Dig It? / A Chromatic Series of Floral Arrangements' series tries to challenge our aesthetic notions of what is considered tacky and what is considered tasteful by using a [mixture of colors and textures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorscape-installation) -- not to mention a sensory visual overload -- to portray the super simple and chic idea of a floral still life. The artist uses backdrops she created out of polyester spandex and photographs the image with a low tech camera to create the overwhelming and [kaleidoscopic effect](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chroma-installation). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Surreal Still Life Photography:** Opportunity to explore and experiment with traditional photography genres by pushing the boundaries of creativity and perception through the use of unorthodox techniques. - **Use of Inexpensive Everyday Items:** Opportunity to explore and experiment with unconventional materials to create aesthetically pleasing art and products at a lower cost. - **Challenging Aesthetic Notions:** Opportunity to push the envelope of traditional artistic tastes and conventions by creating unique and thought-provoking works that challenge societal norms. ### Where This Applies - **Photography Industry:** Opportunity to tap into a growing market of consumers interested in new and innovative photography styles and techniques. - **Art and Design Industry:** Opportunity to attract and engage consumers by creating unique and unconventional art and design pieces that challenge traditional aesthetics and norms. - **Retail Industry:** Opportunity to tap into a growing market of consumers interested in purchasing unconventional and unique products created using everyday materials. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md) - [Artsy Surrealist Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gohar-world.md) - [Unique Artistic Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amusebouche.md) - [Marble-Patterned Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/psychedelic-interior.md) - [Wonderous Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/your-psychoacoustic-light-ensemble.md) - [Psychedelic Hand-Painted Cabinets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collection-iii.md) - [Vibrantly Colorful Dynamic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayla-rumpp.md) - [Surrealist-Inspired Tea Pots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tea-for-two-collection.md) - [Surrealist Shopping Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreams-is.md)