A list of curious facts
One: The Amsterdam Art Zoo Museum opened its doors this June, revealing an unprecedented experience—a zoo filled with stuffed animals:
The museum offers an artistic interpretation of classical Wunderkammer, or the "wonder room.” This concept goes beyond a traditional museum by embracing visitors with impressive taxidermy installations realized by the internationally renowned artist duo Darwin, Sinke & Van Tongeren. Here you can admire colorful birds, writhing snakes, imposing crocodiles and even a T-Rex.
Though the concept is a bit creepy (a zoo of dead animals?), the exhibits are undoubtedly mesmerising. Like the flamingos in the lead image—or the outsized denim gorilla below.
The artists also have a Golden Rule: “None of the animals in our taxidermy artworks were taken from the wild or bred specifically for the Art Zoo Museum. All died of natural causes, under the care of zoos and breeders.” (New York Times)
Two: South Korean artist Moka Lee turns viral selfies into oil paintings that sell for up to $200,000. Lee says she focuses on Insta pics because their intention is far different from the old family photos—because they are ‘intentional’. Everything—from the composition, background, pose, and expression—are crafted to “show off” something. A good example—‘Ego Function Error’ below. The cool bit: She layers paints onto the canvas with cotton—not a brush. (Artsy)
Three: Last week, this funny clip by comedian Austin Nasso on Donald Trump and Taj Mahal went viral:
The lesser known fact: Trump has already ripped off the Taj Mahal—as a casino he built back in 1990 in New Jersey. Needless to say, it is an over-the-top, blinged out eyesore—that doesn’t look anything like the original. CN Traveler has lots more details and flashy photos.
Bonus fact: Say hello to the ‘qlocktwo W’ wristwatch by biegert & funk that tells the time in words! You can literally read the time. The first iteration was a wall clock back in 2010—followed by a portable version in 2012. (Design Boom)
