Gaby
Digital designer Markus Birn has created a series of household appliances that pay homage to the works of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí.
The artist collaborated with artificial intelligence, specifically the popular neural network Midjourney, which generates images from text descriptions. It has repeatedly showcased its ability to give ordinary objects an extraordinary appearance.
This vibrant collection of devices, seemingly born under Gaudí’s spell, exemplifies the blurring of lines between everyday items and art.
The intricate designs of the renowned architect served as inspiration for the series. It feels as though Gaudí himself contributed his talent to the design of these household appliances, whose aesthetics often go unnoticed.
A Time for Reimagined Simplicity
Markus Birn has transformed our perception of what everyday technology can look like. Hairdryers, kettles, mixers, irons, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, and coffee makers have taken on entirely unexpected forms.
These art objects, created by the artist in collaboration with AI, incorporate elements of neo-Gothic and modern styles reminiscent of Gaudí’s works. Their whimsical shapes, colorful patterns, and elegant lines blend seamlessly into Birn’s creations. Playfully emulating the architect’s style, the artist experimented with textured surfaces that seem borrowed from trees and caves. Unfortunately, the fantastical appliances showcased by Designboom currently exist only in digital form.
As Markus Birn noted, we live in an era dominated by Apple and Tesla, where minimalist design takes center stage. Perhaps now is the time to return to colorful buildings adorned with mosaic tiles and stained glass. At the same time, we should take a fresh look at the simple things that surround us.
The results can be astonishing, much like these household appliances. They subtly shed their everyday nature and become works of art.
