balloons

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Design Music

A Working Balloon-Powered Paper Pipe Organ Designed by Aliaksei Zholner

Paper engineer Aliaksei Zholner has wowed us before with his miniature V8 engine, and now brings his crafty talents to the musical realm with this working paper organ. The tiny organ has 18 functional keys that create tones with the aid of corresponding reeds, and of course a pipe organ can’t function without a steady air flow, a problem Zholner solves with a large balloon. (via Sploid)

Art Photography

Clusters of White Balloons Photographed Invading Landscapes and Homes by Charles Pétillon

Photographer Charles Pétillon (previously) captures arranged configurations of balloons in a variety of environments—trapping the illuminated organic shapes momentarily in his photographs. The huddles of balloons are metaphors for Pétillon, a nod to the objects, buildings, and structures we often pass by in our busy lives without taking the time to really notice them. Last year he produced a 177-foot-long installation for London’s Covent Garden, a work that he titled Heartbeat.

“Each balloon has its own dimensions and yet is part of a giant but fragile composition that creates a floating cloud above the energy of the market below,” explained Pétillon about his 2015 installation. “This fragility is represented by contrasting materials and also the whiteness of the balloons that move and pulse appearing as alive and vibrant as the area itself.”

Pétillon’s words can also be applied to his current oeuvre, a selection of which is currently on display in a solo exhibition titled Invasions. The works are featured at Magda Danysz Gallery in Paris through January 14, 2017, and also includes a site-specific installation of balloons to mirror those within his photographs. You can see a behind-the-scenes shoot below, as well as more final images of his balloon series on his website and Instagram.

Art

A Ceiling of Pink Balloons Contained in a French Hotel Courtyard Mimics the Fall of Cherry Blossoms

Nestled within a courtyard at the Hôtel de Griffy in Montpellier, France, this 2015 installation of pink and white balloons attempts to capture the feeling of spring by mimicking the color and feel of cherry blossoms as they fall from the ceiling. The 6-day installation titled “Un dixième Printemps” (The 10th Spring) was created by Margaux Rodot, Benoit Tastet, and Mickaël Martin, and draws inspiration from Hanami, a Japanese tradition of enjoying the abundance of blooming flowers across the country from the end of March to early May.

Netting secured across the courtyard ceiling effectively contained the helium-filled balloons that were gradually replenished each day as they gradually fell to a patch of grass below. Sunlight from above cast a pink hue into the space that filled windows and balconies surrounding the installation space. Un dixième Printemps was created for the 10th annual Lively Architecture Festival and went on to win the 2015 Jury Award. (via Designboom)

Craft Design

Balloon Pin House by Clive Roddy

This fun new pin cushion by UK designer Clive Roddy promises to elevate your pushpin storage in a manner reminiscent of the Pixar film Up. The tiny wooden house with a large cork sphere can sit on a desk or mount to a cork-board or wall for easy storage. Currently available in his online shop.

Art Craft

Amazing Balloon Sculptures of Animals and Insects by Masayoshi Matsumoto

Forget your run-of-the-mill cutesy balloon dogs and crowns twisted at kids birthday parties, Japanese artist Masayoshi Matsumoto (previously) elevates the inflated craft of balloon animals to an entirely different level. The Japanese artist uses a multitude of balloon colors and shapes to sculpt creatures you might not normally associate with the children’s party activity including insects, giant isopods, baboons, and scaly lizards. You can see more of his latest works in this gallery.

Design Science

Anatomical Balloon Dog and Rubber Ducky Models by Jason Freeny

Designer Jason Freeny (previously) is known for his humorous realizations of popular toys turned into anatomical models. Lego figures, Barbie dolls, gingerbread men, and even gummy bears have all gotten the cross-section treatment, and next up: the classic rubber bath ducky and the balloon dog. Each toy comes as a kit you can assemble yourself. (via The Awesomer)

Update: The Balloon Dog, Gummi Bear, and Bathing Ducky are now available in the Colossal Shop.

Art Food Photography

Quirky Interpretations of Everyday Objects by Vanessa McKeown

For the last few weeks, photographer and art director Vanessa McKeown has been sharing colorful, quirky interpretations of everyday objects on Instagram. McKeown imagines balloons as various fruits and vegetables and oranges are peeled to reveal unexpected objects. Clever visuals all around.