This ornament's a blast
November 17, 2009
Vicky Sanderson
SPECIAL TO YOURHOME.CA
Tell the truth. You used to find postmodern art and design both relevant and witty, but have now concluded that paintings of soup cans and urinals stuck to walls have questionable social or aesthetic value.
But wait, what's this? Another old design stalwart — the Christmas tree ornament– turned on its head to blur its "meaning" and wrapped up in old-school activism (but, thank goodness, not in sensible shoes kind of way)?
The startlingly quirky design house Suck UK which sells utterly unique stuff online — either made by its founders, Sam and Jude, or by a handful of international designers whose work they like — is offering a Christmas tree ornament that will shock and much as it sparkles.
While at first glance it looks like a suitably seasonal pine cone, the Grenade Christmas Tree decoration is shaped like, well, a grenade. If that doesn't make you yearn for peace on earth, nothing will.
If you think it's all too clever-clever, keep in mind that Ctrl.Alt.Shift – a U.K.-based organization that promotes social justice (goodwill among men, anyone?) through visual art and written words – will receive a donation with every sale.
Check out more Conversation Pieces and read Vicky's On the House blog
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