Who hasn’t spent a little money on kitschy souvenirs sold at tourist destinations? Is there a better reminder of your trip to the Eiffel Tower than a three-inch die cast Eiffel Tower pencil sharpener? There’s a need to remember and sometimes an object helps- even if it is a piece of junk.
Now that we’ve broached the previously untouchable subject of Obamagraphics fatigue, I’ll share this item that managed to break through the waves of bamakitsch* and catch my waning attention. Something that actually felt kind of refreshing. Boym Partners Inc are a husband and wife design team based in NYC and they been taking their cue from the kind of souvenir kitsch mentioned above. Their site offers a variety of design objects available for purchase and also has a blog that’s worth the occasional visit- Oh Boym!
In my opinion, the Boyms have made the best of the various Obama commemorative merchandise- a small blue resin White House in an edition of 1000. It’s billed as a presidential inauguration souvenir. It’s simple and powerful and the bright blue speaks to a hopeful, pop sensibility.
The Obama White House, Blue Resin, 4″x3″1 1/2″, 2009.
This piece is a bit of a departure from the Boyms’ usual fare. Prior to The Obama White House, the Boyms were well-known for creating Buildings of Disaster- a series of iconic modern disaster keepsakes.
The subjects range from Chernobyl and Three Mile Island (pictured above) to the Oklahoma City Federal Building and Ford’s Theatre and all are cast in gray resin. Not too surprisingly, these objects have been met with some controversy. Though the statues themselves are quite minimal and (I think) tasteful, the question of appropriateness lingers. Perhaps because tragic locations like the New Orleans Superdome get the same treatment as the obviously less tragic Neverland Ranch? Watch the video for some response to the series…
[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.771424&w=425&h=350&fv=]
“BUILDINGS OF DISASTER”, posted with vodpod
* Bamakitsch- I’d like to introduce this new term into the conversation.
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