Announcing the Rijksstudio Award 2017 shortlist

Left, Pop Up Birds book, by Chiara Bianchini; inspired by Peacock, by Ohara Koson, 1925 - 1936. Right, 'Heron' lamp, by Sergii Lysyi; inspired by Zilverreiger in de regen, by Ohara Koson, 1925 - 1936

(Image credit: Chiara Bianchini, Ohara Koson, Sergii Lysyi, Ohara Koson)

By Elly Parsons

last updated 21 October 2022

'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

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

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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.