Birds, books and condom wrappers: the Rijksmuseum design award is as diverse as ever

'Use our art to create new art.' This is the all-inclusive mantra of the Rijksstudio Award. Now in its third iteration, the Award tasks members of the public to devise a new creation, in what ever medium they like, that draws from the Rijksmuseum collection. As always, the competition was open to all, with 250,000 images free to download from the Rijksstudio - an interactive, digital archive of the museum's collection - free of charge. Inspiration abound.
Famously home to Rembrandt and Vermeer, the collection also features ancient artifacts, historical fashion, decorative arts and photography, so possibilities are endless - as the 2015 winners established with their take on a collection of Rembrandt's sketches of hands. Designers Lyske Gais and Lia Duinker transformed these storied notations into a miniature flick-book, worn as a satisfyingly chunky piece of art-jewellery, around the wrist.
'Eden' Condoms, by Esther Pi & Timo Waag
This year, entries were as innovative and diverse as ever. A record 2,600 designers applied, which has been whittled down to a group of ten outstanding finalists. The shortlist includes an extravagant Pop Up Birds book by Italian designer Chiara Bianchini; a one-legged 'Heron' Lamp by Sergii Lysyi from Ukraine, and artfully decorated condom rappers by Spanish designers Esther Pi & Timo Waag, themed on the Garden of Eden (naturally).
The vast and varied array of works will be judged by an international panel that includes graphic design guru Irma Boom and Wallpaper* Editor-in-Chief Tony Chambers. For the first time, there's an additional judge - you. The new 'Public Award' can be voted for easily on the Rijksmuseum website, and all finalists will be announced on Friday evening.
'Butter Dish', by Rina Elman; inspired by 'Dress (Mantua) with Train', by anonymous, c.1750 - c.1760
Left, 'The Night Watch Nightshirt,' by Oliver Watson; inspired by: Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq, known as the Night Watch. Right, 'Still Life Pixel and Metadata Dress,' by Andrea Wallace; inspired by Still Life with Flowers and a Watch, by Abraham Mignon, c.1660 - c.1679
'Delft Blue Eyes (Nails)', by Francine LeClercq and Ali Soltani; inspired by Two plaques from a column, De Grieksche A, after Adrianus Kocx, c.1690
'Masterpieces never sleep', by Lesha Limonov; inspired by Portrait of a Girl Dressed in Blue, by Johannes Cornelisz. Verspronck, 1641
'Plantstudie Hats', by Jessie Hall; inspired by Plantstudie, by Karl Blossfeldt, 1928
'Temple Guardian' dance performance, by Melodie Briere; inspired by Two Temple Guardians statue, by anonymous, c.1300 - c.1400
INFORMATION
For more information, and to vote, visit the Rijksmuseum website
ADDRESS
Rijksmuseum
Museumstraat 1
1071 XX Amsterdam
Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.
-
Achille Salvagni imbues Upper East Side townhouse with understated glamour
Designer Achille Salvagni’s latest project is a Manhattan townhouse whose understated design is led by function and inspired by 1920s and 1930s architecture
By Pilar Viladas • Published
-
Discover July 2023 Wallpaper*: the Design Directory
See Wallpaper’s July 2023 Design Directory for the best new seating, tables, beds, lighting, outdoor furniture, rugs and more, on sale now
By Sarah Douglas • Published
-
Ruinart’s Food For Art promises culinary delights in Basel
Hosted during Art Basel in Basel 2023, Ruinart’s latest Food For Art dinner draws on Eva Jospin’s Carte Blanche commission
By Simon Mills • Published
-
Best of Dutch Design Week 2021
After a virtual edition, Dutch Design Week is back for 2021 (until 24 October) with a physical showcase of creative talent across the city of Eindhoven celebrating the design event’s 20th anniversary
By Rosa Bertoli • Last updated
-
Ten years of Muller Van Severen, at Design Museum Ghent
A new exhibition by Belgian design duo Muller Van Severen (until 6 March 2022) features a retrospective of the studio’s ten years as well as a curation of pieces from the Design Museum Ghent collections
By Rosa Bertoli • Last updated
-
Dutch Design Week 2020: Ikea’s virtual greenhouse, networking fungi, and rethinking waste
Moving its programme of talks and exhibition online (17 – 25 October), the Eindhoven-based design event virtually showcases future-oriented design thinking, material innovation and next generation talent
By Rosa Bertoli • Last updated
-
Dutch Design Week 2019 captures the zeitgeist
What to expect from the 18th year of Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, from social design to sustainable innovations
By Giovanna Dunmall • Last updated
-
OTOMOTO rethinks the domestic kitchen
For Wallpaper* Handmade X, Ryan Gander and Tony Chambers joined forces with architects Matheson Whiteley and surface manufacturer Cosentino on a kitchen sink system
By Alyn Griffiths • Last updated
-
Fashion sustainability explored and rebranded by a new digital experience in Amsterdam
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Last updated
-
Former military barracks and a 1960s home to host new launches at Dutch Design Week
By Giovanna Dunmall • Last updated
-
Earth-shaking new products, prototypes, experiences and immersions with our new Wallpaper* Moonshots Division
By Nick Compton • Last updated