Originally published in Verbicide issue #16

Combining elements of fashion and art by the use of reversible clothing and artwork, the still5 design team’s dynamic exhibit “The Modern Essential” debuted in April at New York City’s Atelier 34 Studio. The Modern Essential is a project that seeks to elevate international plugs and sockets — commonplace household objects worth, to most, hardly a thought — to “art status.” still5 design team is a collaborative effort between artists Ryan Nation and Persia Tatar, who seek to make their unique, observational artwork accessible to the public. They support that sincere assertion with the unorthodox (if not idiosyncratic) method of literally giving away their work — allowing the viewing public to steal their ideas for reinterpretation. Following their one-night exhibit, still5 released a free design kit that allows the final designs to be downloaded, manipulated, and reproduced without restriction, enabling participants to interact with the project on a new, personal level. Adding to the interactive element of The Modern Essential exhibit, the show’s debut was supplemented with user guides detailing the history of plugs and the creative process of the exhibit. Art, fashion, and performance art became one, as models interacted with the paintings, clothing, and the exhibit’s observers. Design kits, user guides, and much more information and artwork are available at the still5 website, www.still5.com.