# Cushy Abstract Animal Art Joao Loureiro Creates Large Zoo Animal Scluptures out of Foam By Lacey-Jane Walsh | Published 2013-10-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoo-animal-sculptures References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/joao-loureiro-zootechnical) & [galeriavermelho.br](http://www.galeriavermelho.com.br/en/artista/84/joão-loureiro/) Artist Joao Loureiro creates fantastic [zoo animal sculptures out of foam](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rethink-softly), resulting in some seriously cushy artworks. The name of this delightful exhibit is 'Zootechnical.' Loureiro puts these exotic animals together by layering thick gray pads of foam on top of one another, and carving them up to resemble elephants, rhinos and other critters. These [soft sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neojomon-biomorphic-fantme) actually appear to be made to scale, so observers can now stand next to a [full sized elephant](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ark-collection) without any risk (which is pretty cool). Loureiro doesn't just focus on larger animals in this exhibit. She also includes smaller creatures like pigs, donkeys and even mice. Since the artist uses foam for her sculptures, they appear to be almost pixelated. This interesting element makes up for the lack of detail featured in these pieces. This zoo animal sculpture exhibit pays tribute to creatures big and small in an unusual way. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Foam Sculpture Art:** The use of foam in sculpture art presents disruptive innovation opportunities for artists to create unique and pixelated pieces. - **Life-sized Animal Sculptures:** Creating life-sized animal sculptures using foam provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the art industry to bring realistic and immersive experiences to viewers. - **Unusual Tribute Art:** The concept of paying tribute to animals through unconventional and abstract sculptures offers disruptive innovation opportunities for artists to explore new ways of expression. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Sculpture:** The art and sculpture industry can benefit from using foam in creating intricate and detailed sculptures that offer a unique viewing experience. - **Exhibit and Museum:** Exhibit and museum industries can capitalize on the popularity of life-sized animal sculptures to attract visitors and provide them with immersive and interactive experiences. - **Interior Design and Decor:** The interior design and decor industry can explore the use of foam sculptures as unique and eye-catching installations in homes, offices, and public spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plush Sculptural Lounge Sofas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rokko.md) - [Folk Creature Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fibredog.md) - [Playful Balloon Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keff-joons.md) - [Stone-Like Styrofoam Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinold-styrofoam-stools.md) - [Domestic Artful Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculpted-series.md) - [Ultra-Comfy Seating Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cushy-lounge-chair.md) - [Wooden Light-Hearted Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dream-sculpture.md) - [Cozy Sheep-Like Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flock-furniture.md) - [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md)