Opposite to Beauty in Death: Y2K Futurism

My upcycle project is creating a lampshade simulating a strangler fig tree/pattern. In nature, the strangler fig tree steals nutrients from it’s host tree until the host eventually dies. Once it rots away, the aerial roots of the fig remain, displaying a beautiful pattern. This effectively portrays an aesthetic of beauty in death.

I believe that the opposite aesthetic of “Beauty in Death” could be represented by Y2K Futurism. This aesthetic became popularized in the 1990s. During this time, people were uncertain but optimistic about the new millennium, and thoughts of future technological innovation were on many people’s minds. A few key features of my portrayal of the Beauty in Death aesthetic include nature, muted colors, and a slightly melancholic undertone. On the other hand, Y2K Futurism features metallic, bold colors, is more experimental, has a basis in technology, and is cautiously optimistic for the future.

[2] Aluminum Branch Example

To integrate this aesthetic with my upcycle project design, I would likely shift away from using papier-mâché, and instead leave the branches as aluminum foil. I’d further reinforce the aluminum foil by adding more wires and superglue. I would then be sure to smooth it out as best as possible to leave a flowy, metallic finish.

[3] Green Code Example (Image from the Matrix movie)

Another alteration I would make is coloring the lampshade fabric/construction paper beneath the branches a neon green. During the late 1900s, technology was booming and becoming more mainstream. This aesthetic reflects the curiosity and possibilities associated with technology during the time. The neon green color represents the classic computer text used for many coding editors (see the image above).

[4] Sketched Cloud Idea

The last adjustment I would make to my design would be creating a neon pink and electric blue, cloud-shaped tree canopy (shown above). Y2K Futurism designs often incorporate spheres and curved shapes as well as vibrant colors like neon pink and electric blue. A colorful, translucent cloud would showcase the bubbly aesthetic of Y2K Futurism. To do this, I would look to purchase acrylic spheres from places like Colorado Plastics, paint them, and cut and secure them together. If that turned out to be not economical, I could 3D print the structure or cut it out of foam.

[5] Sketched Lampshade Idea

Combining these components together, my upcycle project would effectively still function as a lamp, but instead portray the Y2K Futurism aesthetic. A sketch of what this might look like is shown above.

Citations:

[1] Aesthetics Wiki, N/A, https://aesthetics.fandom.com/wiki/Y2K_Futurism

[3] user18989612, N/A, https://www.freepik.com/premium-ai-image/green-code-patterns-inspired-by-classic-matrix-style_328593263.htm