Nov19

By Spooky on October 12th, 2017 Category: Art

Casa Ceramica, a floor tile company from the UK, recently went viral on Twitter after creating an impressive optical illusion out of 400 floor tiles to discourage people from running through its hallway.

It’s not clear why anyone would be running through the hallway of a floor tile showroom, but they’re sure to think twice about doing it after taking a look at the floor ahead of them. Even though its designers assure us that it is perfectly flat, seen from a certain perspective, it looks like there is a big hole in the middle of it. Interestingly enough, seen from the opposite end, the hole actually looks like a bulge rising up from the floor. Both illusions are sure to prevent visitors from navigating the path at too fast a pace.

The mind-boggling floor first went viral after a photo of it was posted on Reddit, by user 9999monkeys, and from there it went on to catch a lot of attention on Twitter. Duncan Cook, the owner of Manchester-based Casa Ceramica, ceased the opportunity to advertise his company and posted several more photos from different angles, as well as short clips of himself navigating the seemingly precarious hallway.

Apart from discouraging visitors from running through their hallway, Casa Ceramica told INSIDER that “the inspiration was to create an entrance themed on illusions and exceed expectations of how tiles can be used”.

“It gets some funny looks. However, the effect is greatly enhanced through a camera,” Casa Ceramica sales administrator Harry Molyneaux told TODAY. “The floor is completely flat and safe to walk over.”

flora borsi combines human + animal features into a single self-portrait

Posted on November 19, 2017 by hobo hippie

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flora borsi combines human + animal features into a single self-portrait

all images courtesy of flora borsi

forming a likeness between the animal kingdom and the human form, hungarian artist flora borsi has formed the series ‘animeyed’, which creates curious hybrid beings from two different species. the collection of self-portraits sees borsi situated side-by-side six separate creatures: a cat, dove, blowfish, goldfish, snake and hare. for each composition, borsi matches her hairstyle, makeup, and eye color to match the characteristics of each animal, dying her hair orange to mimic the hue of a goldfish and painting her face snow white to match the texture of a dove. as the artist stares at the camera facing frontwards, one of the animals conceals part of her face, matching their own eye above where hers would be revealed. the effect forms hybrid entities that play with the perception of the viewer and cleverly display the physical similarities between the human and animal features.

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borsi matches her makeup to the silhouette of a cat’s eye

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borsi is painted all white to match the color of the flying dove

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short orange locks match the color of the goldfish

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a snake slithers up borsi’s face to match its eye against hers

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a dark hare replaces its eye above borsi’s own

Nov19

A Photographic Journey Around the World

Posted on November 19, 2017 by hobo hippie

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The Ritz-Carlton planned a tour of Europe and beyond for Ratcliff that included photo walks, exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, art talks, and more—all of which culminated in this wanderlust-inducing photographic documentary, an inspiring tale of creativity enhanced through travel.

10 IMAGES

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Budapest, Hungary

This capital city was one of the earliest places in the world to be influenced by the Renaissance style of architecture. “This photo shows the middle part of the city; my favorite to get lost in. There were so many quirky cafes, bars, restaurants… I wanted to try them all,” says Ratcliff.

The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest is a palatial retreat located in the heart of the city where heritage meets modern luxuries. The hotel employs a variety of people from around the world as well as locals. “One local, in particular, recognized me and suggested that I go visit the amazing underground Gallert Turkish baths,” says Ratcliff. “I believe the locals and their expertise are invaluable when exploring a new city.”

2/10

Vienna, Austria

“I talked to the concierge team at The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna to find interesting things to do while I was in the city,” says Ratcliff. “I showed them a few of my photos so they could get a sense of my aesthetic and they recommended the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien.”

This café inside the museum is a destination in itself. They have guilty pastries, curious delicacies, and decadent meals that will make you feel like Austrian royalty.

3/10

Wolfsburg, Germany

“How’s this for a unique place?!? While in Germany, we made a day-trip to visit The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg,” says Ratcliff. “It’s an entirely unique location because it’s embedded right in the middle of Volkswagen heaven. Many people make a special trip to come to pick up their new cars.”

After taking in that unique scene, go and enjoy tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg Lobby Lounge, where a “glass forest” sculpture inspires a sense of tranquility.

4/10

Geneva, Switzerland

The second most populous city in Switzerland, Geneva is a financial hub surrounded by natural and man-made beauty. Geneva is situated right at the southern tip of Lake Geneva and boasts expansive views of the Alps and Jura Mountains. The city even has direct views of the famous and dramatic Mont Blanc.

“I loved walking around the new and old parts of the city,” says Ratcliff. “It’s safe, beautiful, and each street looks like a painting.”

5/10

Sintra, Portugal

The Penha Palace in Portugal is a mix of vividly painted terraces, decorative battlements, and parapets, all of which contrast the verdant forests that surround it.

“You can pay extra to get special, exclusive access to be alone here, or with a group of friends, an hour before the crowds arrive,” says Ratcliff. “To walk around a Disney-esque castle like this on your own is the stuff of dreams.”

After exploring the historic palace, treat yourself to some world-class dining with breathtaking views at Penha Longa Resort, which is set among the rolling hills and lush gardens o

10 IMAGES

1/10

Budapest, Hungary

2/10

Vienna, Austria

This café inside the museum is a destination in itself. They have guilty pastries, curious delicacies, and decadent meals that will make you feel like Austrian royalty.

3/10

Wolfsburg, Germany

After taking in that unique scene, go and enjoy tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg Lobby Lounge, where a “glass forest” sculpture inspires a sense of tranquility.

4/10

Geneva, Switzerland

“I loved walking around the new and old parts of the city,” says Ratcliff. “It’s safe, beautiful, and each street looks like a painting.”

5/10

Sintra, Portugal

The Penha Palace in Portugal is a mix of vividly painted terraces, decorative battlements, and parapets, all of which contrast the verdant forests that surround it.

After exploring the historic palace, treat yourself to some world-class dining with breathtaking views at Penha Longa Resort, which is set among the rolling hills and lush gardens of Sintra.

6/10

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a cosmopolitan destination that attracts creatives from all over the world. Its rich (and uniquely Catalan) culture, its endless museums, and its architecture all contribute to the city’s reputation as one of the can’t-miss destinations in Spain and Europe. “The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world,” says Ratcliff. “I generally try to avoid tourist destinations, but this one is more than worth it because you are always looking up, and not at the tourists. The colors that float through the stained glass windows are remarkable.”

“I also would consider a short drive to Tibidabo,” says Ratcliff. “It was recommended to me by a gentleman at Hotel Arts Barcelona. This amazing, scenic, and ancient place doesn’t disappoint.”

Copyright Trey Ratcliff www.StuckInCustoms.com

7/10

Kyoto, Japan

Formerly the capital of Japan, Kyoto lies in the middle of the island of Honshu. It’s known for its numerous Buddhist temples, verdant gardens, imperial palaces, and traditional wooden houses. “While visiting Kyoto, I knew I had to experience the bamboo forest…a magical place where culture meets nature,” says Ratcliff.

Ratcliff also recommends an area with hundreds and hundreds of red torii gates called Fushimi Inari-taisha. “Before you go, get ready for a beautiful hike. Dress appropriately, because it takes two hours to get to the top, and a little less to get back down,” says Ratcliff. “Don’t miss all the quaint Japanese cemeteries along the way; they are quite unlike their Western counterparts.”

8/10

Osaka, Japan

Less than an hour by train from Kyoto, Ratcliff’s visit to Osaka revealed a city graced with modern architecture, a vibrant nightlife, and hearty street food. “I was once again blown away by Osaka as soon as I started getting out and about more. There are a ton of these streets weaving all around and around the downtown area,” says Ratcliff.

“I was drawn immediately into this area called Dotonbori,” comments Ratcliff. “Get there around sunset and walk along the river before taking in the beautifully lighted depths of its streets at night.”

9/10

San Francisco, California

This bustling beautiful City by the Bay is marked by rolling hills, dazzling lights, the hottest tech firms, and a breathtaking coastline and architecture. On his trip to San Francisco, Trey had the opportunity to lead a PhotoWalk and as it ended, he snapped this amazingly colorful post-sunset photo—alive with blues, golds, and hints of purple—capturing the true essence of this West Coast gem.

Trey also recommends Baker Beach. “Even if you don’t get a good photo, hey, you’re at the beach!”

from Trey Ratcliff at http://www.StuckInCustoms.com

10/10

Krabi, Thailand

A resort town in Southern Thailand, Krabi is a relaxing, secluded destination known for its towering limestone cliffs, caves, exotic wildlife, and waterfalls. “We had a wonderful time exploring all around the incredible islands around Krabi,” says Ratcliff. The serene waters, that are ever-so prominent here, forces its visitors to disconnect from the outside world and truly savor the moment—something that both, Trey and The Ritz-Carlton can relate to.

Explore a new short story inspired by travels with The Ritz-Carlton on The New Yorker.

Join WIRED as we unpack the science behind the Mystery of Memory with The Ritz-Carlton and Trey Ratcliff.

6/10

Barcelona, Spain

7/10

Kyoto, Japan

8/10

Osaka, Japan

9/10

San Francisco, California

Trey also recommends Baker Beach. “Even if you don’t get a good photo, hey, you’re at the beach!”

10/10

Krabi, Thailand

Explore a new short story inspired by travels with The Ritz-Carlton on The New Yorker.

Join WIRED as we unpack the science behind the Mystery of Memory with The Ritz-Carlton and Trey Ratcliff.

Sep13

Sound Wave, 2007

Posted on September 13, 2017 by hobo hippie

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Sound Wave, 2007

Melted 78 rpm records on

wooden armature

5.2 ft h x 12 ft w x 12 ft d

Installation at Museum of Arts & Design, New York, 2008

5.2 ft h x 7.7 ft w x 8.8 ft d

Installation at Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York, 2007

Records were melted and sculpted to form a cascading wave, dotted with bursts of colorful labels. The resulting structure speaks to the inevitable waves of technology that render each successive generation of recordable media obsolete. The piece also aims to physically manifest the ephemerality of music as well as one man’s musical tastes, as represented by his personal record collection.

image of artwork

Sep13

Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

Posted on September 13, 2017 by hobo hippie

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Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

By: Sebastian

In: Art, Awesome, Shit Happens

street art 14 Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos) — Have you ever wondered what the skeleton of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle or a mermaid might look like? Nychos has – this Vienna-based artist seems to have a fascination with anatomical diagrams, turning some of his murals into creepy dissections. Check out his website HERE for more of his works.

street art 8 Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

949208 4 Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

949208 1 Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

949208 2 Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

949208 3 Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

949208 5 Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

949208 6 Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

949208 7 Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

street art 9 Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

street art 10 Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

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street art 12 Street Artist cuts to the core of these characters (14 HQ Photos)

Aug15

collages-ana christy

Posted on August 15, 2017 by hobo hippie

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OUTSIDE THE MAJESTIC unnamed

TO THE SUN

I WANT TO BE TONTO

TAKE ME FOR A RIDE

PicsArt_08-02-02.04.56.jpg COLORED BOTTLES

IN THE GARDEN

A GIRL AND HER FOX

FROM HERE TO ETERNITY

Aug15

Woman Gives Up Teaching To Create Optical Illusions With Makeup, And It’s Messing With Our Minds

Posted on August 15, 2017 by hobo hippie

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Woman Gives Up Teaching To Create Optical Illusions With Makeup, And It’s Messing With Our Minds

ByMonika

Makeup is usually used for slightly adjusting the everyday look but some actually realize its true potential. Mimi Choi from Vancouver, Canada is one of them. She is a 31-year-old makeup artist who creates intense hyperreal optical illusions, and her amazing work has earned Mimi 274,000 followers on Instagram.

Before discovering makeup art, Mimi trained as a teacher and worked in a pre-school for three years. “I felt like my creativity was suppressed. I enjoyed teaching but I wasn’t completely happy,” she said. “I needed a new challenge.” After leaving the classroom, she started experimenting with her makeup brushes at home.

“I’ve always been arty and had done bridal makeup before, which people really liked. I’d not done anything as crazy as the work I do now, though.” Enrolling at a local beauty college really helped Mimi to take her skills to new heights. But things really took off when Halloween was just around the corner. “I wanted to do something different for October 31, so I had a look on Instagram and found a photo of a woman, who looked like her face had cracked.”

“I’d never tried any kind of crazy make-up on myself, but I just got out my black and white eyeliner and gave it a go.” And the rest is history.

Choi creates her mind-blowing work through masterfully understanding perspective, creating three dimensionality on a flat surface. She manipulates makeup like an artist uses his paint and places shadows onto her body to make her skin either pop out or recede back into the body.

More info: Instagram (h/t: mmm)