Swedish artist Sanna Dullaway renders iconic black-and-white photographs in colour, utilizing primarily photoshop CS 5. Dullaway, who offers a recolouring and restoration service for old photographs, undertook the works– alongside processing old family photos– as a personal project.

Already controversial, raising questions of the reappropriation of culturally significant imagery, as well as the boundaries of what classifies something as art, the recoloured photographs are also technically striking, generally achieving a colour and climate that is not only realistic but also largely consistent with the tonalities achievable or popular at the time. Each piece takes approximately two to three hours to finish.

How this entry into the Doritos Crash The Super Bowl 2012 contest didn’t make it as one the finalist is beyond us. In the event that you are not a speed reader, the list of ingredients that flash on the screen are as follows:

Staff of Anubis, Philosopher Stone, Rubber Hammer, Rubber Nails, Moon Rock Salt, Archimedes Screw, Harpsichord, Parachute, Blank, Bag of Holding, Cloud Mist, Elven, joy, Lucky Penny, Love Song, Erlenmeyer Flask, Marcoscope, Sense of Wonder, Blankety Blanks, Temporal Glitch, Haiku, Nods, Sweeps, Beeps, Deeps, Sneeps, Reeps, Winks, Memories, Fireballs, Congratulations, Laughter, Lightening, Star Dust,Rings of a Tree, Mother’s Approval, Mountain Air, Cheesiness, Inspiring Footage, Smiles, Secret Ingredient, Smell of Morning, Love, and of course Salt.

We’re also really loving the special ingredients that go into making Cool Ranch: two dashes of an autumn breeze and half a horse’s whinny. Seriously, this commercial is gold!

Looking at his work, a person might not want to get too close to one of Brazilian artist Túlio Pinto’s sculptures or installations. Concrete slabs precariously balanced and held in position by a piece of fabric or balloon doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence, yet they definitely impress. Pinto lives and works in Porto Alegre where, in addition to his installations, he paints. He co-founded the artist studio Subterrânea and is a curator of Brazilian contemporary art.

Via Arch Daily: Funhouse mirrors are mounted on the gabled ends of this playground pavilion in Copenhagen, as well as behind the doors. This engages a play with perspective, reflection and tranformation. Instead of a typical closed gable facade, the mirrored gables creates a sympathetic transition between built and landscape and reflects the surrounding park, playground and activity.
Windows and doors are integrated in the wood-clad facade behind facade shutters with varied bent mirror panel effects. At night the shutters are closed making the building anonymous. During the day the building opens up, attracting the children who enjoy seeing themselves transformed in all directions.
With simple means it has succeeded to transform an existing, sad and anonymous building to a unique and respectful installation in the newly renovated park. The roof and facade is clad with heat-modified wood and the gables and shutters are clad with mirror polished stainless steel. The Mirror House is a flexible space and restrooms, used by kindergarden classes.

‘Gig Pack’, the work of Brazil-based designer Gustavo Brenck, is a convertible scooter backpack for everyday use. The aluminum device is attached to a nylon backpack, complete with notebook compartment. When not in use for travel, the scooter’s rear segment is folded inside the backpack, nonetheless retaining space for other items. For riding, a user simply zips apart the backpack, fastens the front and back wheels, and secures all bag straps to prevent them from getting caught on the ground.

As a scooter, ‘gig pack’ sustains a weight of up to 90 kilograms. It’s large rubber wheels offer increased durability. ‘Since when folded its size is of a regular backpack,’ Brenck reflects, ‘now there are no more excuses
not to use alternative transportation and avoid traffic.’

Via Inhabitat: Martin Azua‘s Basic House is a brilliant self-inflating shelter that you can fold up and take with you – wherever the wind blows! With economic downturns, population growth, and dwindling space creating a widespread reversal of basic values, the lightweight tent-like structure provides a cozy low-impact shelter that can be set up in a snap.

Made of metallic polyester, the basic house is like a tiny, self-inflating prefab home. As soon as it interacts with either body temperature or heat from the sun, it goes from a flat sheet of material to an insulated home that provides shelter against the elements. And if it’s warm outside, it is possible to turn the house inside out so that it deflects solar gain.

The designer argues that this product, which has been featured at MoMA and the Vitra Design Museum, creates a more immediate and less complicated interaction with nature than our runaway consumption habits have created.

You see your friends on Facebook, you chat on Facebook, why not also eat and sleep on Facebook? This is probably what Croatian designers of DevianTom had in mind when creating this unusual bed. FBed concept is shaped like the logo of the worldwide famous social network and I believe I even see some “like” buttons on the small pillow and sheets there. According to the designer,

FBed is a conceptual multipractical bed design that would allow you always to be up to date and close to your online friends even when you sleep. The idea is that you may hoop in front of your screen directly from your bed when you wake up, and inverse when you get tired and wan’t to go sleep…

Via Collabcubed: Martha Friedman, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Detroit, is interested in locating the point at which common objects slip into abstraction and, in some instances, eroticism. In her series of cast rubber sculptures titled Rubbers—in her double-entendre style—she explores the nature of sculptural and bodily materiality through food as well as the rubber band. Here I’ve included only the rubber bands which are my favorites. From the colorful chromogenic prints of the oversized stationery supply, to her full room installations, these are just a lot of fun. Wouldn’t it be great to have a pair of those interconnected rubber bands extended from floor to ceiling in your home?

Via Inhabitat: At one point we’ve all done it – spilt a drink over a laptop, gotten our tablets soaked in the rain, or even dropped our phone in the toilet. Water has always been the bane of electronics, however American company Liquipel just announced that they have developed a way to completely waterproof our devices against the elements. Using a revolutionary process, Liquipel applies a hydrophobic nanocoating to your devices that completely waterproofs it and protects it against accidental exposure to liquids.

The coating is completely invisible to the human eye and is virtually undetectable. In fact, Liquipel promise that their coating will in no way “compromise the look, feel, and performance of your electronics.” In fact, the coating is 1000x thinner than a human hair.

While their website does not go into detailed specifics, Liquipel’s method can reportedly coat an entire device to protect all of the vital components inside and out from accidental contact with liquids. The resulting gadgets can be used in the rain and are protected against clumsiness.

If you are interested in protecting your gadgets, then the only way (currently) to do so is to mail them directly to the Edison Award-nominated company. Hopefully it won’t be long before this technology is on the open market and every electronics manufacturer applies it as a standard feature.

The company plant of Umicore, south of the Antwerp agglomerate, is part of a larger industrial park. The site is a city in itself but lacks structural cohesion and coherence. Conix Architects had to structure this complex site to promote a new corporate identity. In order to integrate the plant better into its surroundings and generate an improved feeling on the whole, reconversion was considered.
Conix Architects developed a strategy which creates a new and more accessible identity for the company. The strengths and weaknesses of the terrain were determined. Based on this, Conix Architects drew up a master plan, including the problem areas and particular issues. The master plan points out the complexity and diversity of the necessary actions. Consequently, the perception and emotions of future visitors and employees are also considered. The functionality and flow of logistical activities are revised and modified, where needed.
The new office building is the eye-catcher, encapsulating and generating the company’s new corporate identity. It offers a place to stop on the main axis which runs through the entire site. By narrowing and shaping the street profile, the idea of an entry area is created, an element that was lacking. The office building is unrestrained in design in contrast to the monotonous and randomly selected surroundings. The design draws one’s attention, in an emotional response, counter to the existing rational background. By positioning the building at a slight angle, the axis of the central entry road is broken.

As the name suggests Topless Shoes have no upper constrictions or bindings. It’s like sinking your foot into a warm cushy hole and expecting it to ‘walk’ with you at every step. The elastic inner layer, which the designer refers to as the ‘muscle’, parts under the foot and encloses it in a firm yet comfortable grip. Ideal for folks who find it difficult to bend over to put on shoes, tie up laces, or simply don’t have time to waste.

The Australian architect / artist Horst Kiechle designed this torso with removable organs for the science lab of the international school Nadi, Fiji Islands built entirely from 200gms/sqm white card.

Wimpy wanted to let visually impaired people know that they offered braille menus in all of their restaurants. To spread the word we built braille burgers that blind people could actually read. With the help of skilled chefs we took sesame seeds and meticulously placed them on burger buns so that the seeds formed braille.

Fjaril Drawer by Jakob Jørgensen expands rhythmically and during this movement changes itself from a simple box into a functional sculpture.

Yulia Brodskaya was born in Russia (Moscow); prior to moving to the UK in 2004 she was interested in diverse creative practices ranging from Textile Painting, Origami and Collage to more traditional Fine Art practices. Following an MA in Graphic Communication (2006, University of Hertfordshire) she continued to experiment and explore ways of bringing together all the things she likes most: typography, paper, and highly detailed hand-made craft objects. She has swiftly earned an international reputation for her innovative paper illustrations and continues to create beautifully detailed paper designs for clients all around the world.

The Bergmoench is an unusual bike design by Koga which can be folded into a backpack. The bike is designed to be compact and lightweight for climbing hills and mountains. The vehicle can be unfolded into a bike at the top and ridden down the hill. The bike doesn’t have pedals, relying on the slope of the hill to propel the rider. It also doesn’t have a seat, but does have foot rests and brakes. The idea is users will climb a hill and roll down on the bike in a more upright position. The attached backpack even has space for other things like a helmet and food.

Ice Cube Celebrates The Eames for Pacific Standard Time the birth of the LA art scene. Ice Cube drives Inglewood blvd. describing the Los Angeles that he knows. He talks of landmarks like The Forum, Five Torches, Cockatoo Inn, Brolly Hut, and Watts Towers. He refers to the 110 as “Gangsta Highway”. Cube says coming from South Central LA teaches you how to be resourceful. The video cuts to Cube walking the Eames House perimeter, through the Eames living room, and sitting in the Eames lounge chair. He brings us back to his NWA years when he studied architectural drafting before launching his rap career. One thing he learned that translates is to always have a plan.

Cube describes the modern, green and resourceful building design of Charles and Ray Eames. Visionaries of connecting nature and structure. Cube ends by saying “Who are these people who got a problem with LA? Maybe they mad cuz they don’t live here.” Song during intro is “A Bird in the Hand” off of Death Certificate.

This 2 dimensional looking bag plays a fun trick on the eye and it’s a cool way to tote your stuff. Cartoon-like outlines and bright and cheerful colors add a brisk and funky flavor. Despite the slim appearance, each JumpFromPaper bag has a roomy interior to accommodate personal belongings and even a laptop.

Poland-based Hugon Kowalski + Adam Wiercinski + Borys Wrzeszcz have designed Sky Street, a submission for the AC-CA International Competition to produce a car park tower situated in the dense urban district of Hong Kong. The proposal intends to create parking spaces which are an extension of the street. The typical city-street complete with traffic lanes, parking spaces, sidewalks and trams were taken and shaped the building form. Comprised of two intertwined spirals which seamlessly merge at the top of the structure, the configuration supports collision-free circulation while defining the external appearance with visible contours from the upward outer ramp with a mirrored downward internal ramp. At the midway point, a connection across the center void allows cars to transition and continue driving in the same direction.
Positioned within the panorama of skyscrapers adjacent to Victoria Bay, the spherical profile of the 100 meter tower becomes a new symbol for the area. The egg profile is constructed with concrete and supported with a steel frame. at night, illumination emanating from the curved facade is dictated by the volume of vehicles and trams entering the interior creating the effect of a glowing lantern. In two locations inside, suspended platforms provide multipurpose spaces.

“Being Elmo” is a film by Constance Marks about Kevin Clash, Sesame Street’s Senior Puppet Coordinator and creator of Elmo. With prizes and praise coming from numerous film festivals including Sundance, “Being Elmo” tells the story of the puppeteer’s journey.

Beloved by children of all ages around the world, Elmo is an international icon. Few people know his creator, Kevin Clash, who dreamed of working with his idol, master puppeteer Jim Henson. Displaying his creativity and talent at a young age, Kevin ultimately found a home on Sesame Street. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this documentary includes rare archival footage, interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney and others and offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street and the Jim Henson Workshop.

Designed by Claudio Sibille, Sensei combines two pieces of furniture in one amazing concept. Sensei appeals to those who need space saving furniture, providing either two designer chairs, or a sleek side, end or utility table. As the two pieces are predominantly white and black respectively, we couldn’t help but sense the yin and yang when Sensei is presented in it’s table format.

Each and every year, increasingly so, we are bombarded with year-in-review shows, so much so that we’re still finding great lists and countdowns to share. Take for instance Reuters’ Photos of the Year, featuring real life events, from the uprisings across the Arab world to the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan, there was no lack of news in 2011. Head on over to Reuters to enjoy the full list, but be warned: SOME IMAGES CONTAIN GRAPHIC CONTENT OR NUDITY.

The Great Wall by Guy Laramee is a fantastic series that melds sculpture, paper craft and imagination. Laramee describes the project as follows:

Having recently overthrown the American Empire in the 23rd century, the Chinese Empire set out to chronicle the history of the Great Panics during the 21st and 22nd centuries.

This Herculean undertaking resulted in a historiographical masterwork entitled, The Great Wall. Comprising 100 volumes, this encyclopaedia derives its name from The Great Wall of America, a monumental project to build an impregnable wall around the United States of America so as to protect this land from barbarian invasions. 150 years in the making, this wall ultimately isolated Americans from the rest of the world while sapping the country’s remaining cultural and natural resources. It also undermined the American people’s confidence in systematized hedonism, thus hastening the fall of the American Empire. As we now know this paved the way for China to invade American territory.

The Chinese Empire later ordered a group of scribes to write The Great Wall series. In the course of their duties they familiarized themselves with the libraries of the former USA. Through a strange twist of fate they thereby discovered the ancient sources of their own civilization which the new Middle Kingdom had long ago removed from its libraries. In the end this contact, primarily with Taoism and Chan (Zen) Buddhism, sowed the seeds of the Chinese Empire’s.

Seven Days In The Woods is a fantastic animation by Peter Larsson.

Trees alongside the road, everything was blurry. There was always a faint electrical buzz from somewhere. It was damp and raw, like the stone age.