Modem art with Kiwi connection
First there was modern art, but now there’s modem art, thanks to five talented Kiwis who have transformed the humble internet device into a colourful celebration of the New Zealand outdoors.
Flox, Otis Frizzell, Anna Leyland, Askew One and Andrew J. Steel have created their own pieces of artwork now printed on Orcon modems.
The result is that computer hardware traditionally seen as sterile and functional will now feature colour and design channelling New Zealand’s native species and wild plant.
The idea is to bring the internet box out from under desks or where they were hidden in cupboards, allowing them to double as quality Kiwi artwork on display.
Each artist’s original pieces will be sold in a charity auction today on Trade Me with proceeds going to Forest and Bird.
Flox Design, aka Hayley King, infused bright colours and native birds with her unique stencil and spray paint design to create Stitchbird and Kakariki.
‘‘For me, it was about bringing nature indoors and really playing on that whole contrast of technology and the great outdoors.
‘‘As Kiwis, we’ve got an absolute love affair with our birds, so for me, I gave myself a brief of really vibrant colours and I wanted to keep it really natural,’’ said King. As Kiwis, we’ve got an absolute love affair with our birds, so for me, I gave myself a brief of really vibrant colours and I wanted to keep it really natural.
‘‘Forest and Bird adds another dimension to this whole project where we know the proceeds from these original pieces of art will go to charity.
‘‘For me that’s a bonus, it feels good as an artist, it always does, to provide and give back to charities that really need it.’’
King had up to three months to complete the project and said the approach of an open brief let artists delve into their unique styles.
‘‘For my process, I knew I wanted to paint something unique, especially for this campaign.
‘‘There’s five to choose from and all of us five artists are so completely different.’’
She agreed this would be a gamechanger for the household modem.
‘‘They’re now pieces of artwork. It’ll be interesting to see where this goes.’’