The Art & Design of Helmut Smits
by Peter MoosgaardFiled under: Art Pranks
Submitted by Peter Moosgaard:
Netherlands artist Helmut Smits combines the tasiest of ideas with great wit and feeling for spaces. At the same time he cleverly tries to hack our perception of public life. Here is a small selection from his amazing work:
Photo tip, 2004
His installation Photo tip offers the visitor the possibility of posing as a hostage on CNN. It is only made from wood, print, sandbags and a chair. How simple great work can be.
Another work consists of planting a tree in front of billboard. After some years the billboard should no longer be seen from the road. Only a (hopefully) fresh green tree.
Tree in front of billboard, 2006
This one, named Territories, is about placing known logos of animals in their natural surroundings. A very poetic work in the jungle we call our corporate world.
Territories, 2005, polystyrene, plywood, acrylic
Another project from 2006 worth mentioning is self-explanatory:
Parking for white cars only, 2006
You can find all of his intriguing work here.
