# Realistic Cardboard Sculptures The Paper Stuff Series by Bartek Elsner is Playful and Humorous By Meghan Young | Published 2012-05-03 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-paper-stuff References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/bartek-elsner-the-paper-stuff) & [bartek-elsner.de](http://www.bartek-elsner.de/) It wouldn't be surprising if someone mistook the objects in The Paper Stuff series for the real thing--even if they happen to be made out of cardboard. Comprised of outdoor security cameras, tree branches and even a vintage VCR complete with a video tape, the [cardboard art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-chaos) is incredibly detailed and realistic. Put together by Berlin-based artist Bartek Elsner, The Paper Stuff series does have a playfulness to it. The symbols, buttons and typography used diverge from the realistic nature of the object as a whole, bringing a [cartoonish touch](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pantlers-rations) to each [cardboard creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-airplane). Where it is placed also plays a big factor in its general reception. For instance, the fireplace is set outside while the branch is fixed indoors. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Cardboard Art:** The realistic cardboard sculptures by Bartek Elsner offer opportunities for eco-friendly art installations and product design - **Hyper-realistic Creatives:** Hyperrealistic cardboard sculptures challenge conventional art forms and inspire innovation in interior design and visual merchandising - **Whimsical Realism:** The cardboard art's magical quality shows potential for storytelling and fantasy-based advertising campaigns ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art and Sculpture:** The hyper-realistic cardboard sculptures disrupt the conventional art forms, opening up opportunities for eco-friendly materials and techniques - **Eco-friendly Products:** The cardboard sculptures offer inspiration for designing innovative eco-friendly products and packaging - **Visual Merchandising:** Whimsical and hyper-realistic cardboard sculptures offer opportunities for unique visual merchandising and window displays ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cardboard Box Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karton-furniture-collection.md) - [Upcycled Waste Material Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-furniture-design.md) - [Cardboard Box-Transformed Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/box-exhibition.md) - [Paper-Made Mosaic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-life-architecture-exhibition.md) - [Sculptural Paper Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragmenti.md) - [Analog Nostalgia Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/back-to-basics-ii.md) - [Recycled Guitar Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-guitar-1.md) - [Sophisticated Upcycled Home Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basket-sculptures.md) - [Origami-Inspired Ceramics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-series.md)