Forget about the obvious—trompe-l’œil is where it’s at. And for those not versed in the art world (while research suggests most of our readers have PhDs in Sophistication, which often covers Art History, do not be alarmed if yours didn’t), it’s French for ‘deceive the eye’, and is a technique involving realistic imagery to create an optical illusion.
Often featured in wall murals that look like real windows with scenes behind them, here we’re using the term loosely to describe things that are not quite as they seem. Because no one wants a paper cup that looks like a paper cup—that’s hurting my eyes. Instead, get your hands on one of these delights. Trick your friends, keep your mind sharp and mess with dominant paradigms all at once.
New Money Silverware
Long lasting high-end flatware made in the shape of plastic cutlery by Tomas Ekström, aka Kallbrand, Ekström says (probably fairly intensely): “The plastic original carries symbols for recyclability and biodegradability —which I suppose is a good thing—but something I still find quite ironic. Making throw-away cutlery recyclable doesn’t change the fact that it should not be made at all. The point of the project is mostly to rebel against the dumbed down notion of what is ‘green’ that we are being fed by corporations, and instead put forth that making durable, quality products is the true way of being environmentally friendly in almost all cases.”
Poliâne Forks and Spoons
If silverware leaves you cold, go the other direction with these forks and spoons. Made from bread by the Poilâne bakery, they resemble cutlery to allow you to dip into what you’re daintily eating. The forks are curry flavoured and made of parmesan and rye, while the spoons are shortbread.
Reusable Govino Plastic Cups
You’re not at a frat party so ditch the red plastic and pick up some of these delightful glasses. Made from BPA-free, shatterproof polymer, they resemble Riedel Vinum O crystal stemware and even have a thumb hold to stop them slipping from your elegantly manicured grip.
Rebecca Wilson’s Paper Porcelain Cups
Artist, Rebecca Wilson has made cups from paper, porcelain and some even with hand drawn ballpoint pen designs that fuse throwaway paper cups with exquisite porcelain in the mode of Wedgewood. These items will bring a necessary sense of class to your next picnic, or let’s be honest (and I think we can be) be a beautiful objet d’art for you to enjoy at home.
Robert Lazzarini’s Teacup
If paper cups that look like porcelain are too obvious, try this cup which has been created by first making composites of the attributes of different cups and saucers to arrive at an archetype then applying multiple sine wave patterns along different axes through a virtual rendering of the archetype. Good times. Available at the MoMA online store, it is even possible (although incredibly difficult) to drink from.
Stainless Steel Straws
Plastic straws are so disposable, so obvious, so, ahem, plastic. Drinking through these stainless steel ones will not only be aesthetically wonderful but I also suspect they provide a superior spit ball blowing experience. Although we’re far too mature and elegant for that.
Published on 19 July 2011 by Esmerelda Clark