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.

INFORMATION

For more information, and to vote, visit the Rijksmuseum website

ADDRESS

Rijksmuseum
Museumstraat 1
1071 XX Amsterdam

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