I still remember the very first cassette tape I bought with my own money from my allowance. It was purple and pink, which are my two favorite colors. Knowing that kids these days have no concept of what a cassette tape is makes me feel old and also a bit sad for them, since there was a certain joy in collecting them and displaying them on your shelf. For a maximalist and collector like me, those were the days. This latest art collection is taking me on a nostalgic trip back to the analog days.
Back To Basics II, the latest art installation from the acclaimed French creative duo Zim&Zou, is a vivid celebration of nostalgia and craftsmanship. Known for their meticulous and colorful paper sculptures, Zim&Zou have once again captured the imagination of art lovers with this series, which pays homage to iconic technology of the past. The installation transports viewers to a time when chunky cassette players, rotary telephones, and video game controllers were staples of everyday life.
Designer: Zim&Zou
Zim&Zou, comprised of artists Lucie Thomas and Thibault Zimmermann, are renowned for their ability to transform sheets of paper into intricate, life-like objects. For Back To Basics II, the duo revisits their signature style, drawing inspiration from the tactile world of analog devices. Each piece in the installation is handmade using paper and leather, giving the objects a warmth and charm that digital reproductions simply can’t match. Their work stands out for its extraordinary attention to detail, with every button, dial, and wire carefully assembled to mirror their real-life counterparts.
The centerpiece of the collection is a retro stereo system, complete with vibrant switches, volume knobs, and cassette tapes. This homage to the golden age of music technology is a nod to the artists’ appreciation for physical media and the rituals that came with it. Surrounding the stereo are other nostalgic favorites, such as a rotary telephone, a Polaroid camera, and a classic joystick controller. Each object is rendered in bold, saturated colors that pop against minimalist backgrounds, inviting viewers to rediscover the joy and personality of analog design.
Zim&Zou are committed to the handmade process. Unlike digital art, which can be endlessly reproduced, each sculpture is painstakingly crafted by hand, making every detail unique. The duo uses layering and folding techniques to give depth and dimension to their objects, resulting in a tactile quality that invites viewers to take a closer look. The choice of paper as the primary medium adds a delicate, almost playful aspect to the work, highlighting the contrast between fragile materials and sturdy technological forms.
Art lovers and collectors are drawn not only to the visual appeal of Back To Basics II but also to its underlying message about the value of slowing down and appreciating the material world. It is also a vibrant reminder of the beauty in everyday objects and the creative possibilities of paper. Through their work, Zim&Zou invite us to reconnect with our analog past and celebrate the tactile experiences that have shaped our memories.
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