Saluting Design: An Army Of Military-Inspired Products & Modern Art.

above: American Flag by Dave Cole, made up of thousands of plastic Toy Soldiers and acrylic paint.

In honor of Memorial Day, here's a collection of modern art and fun furniture, jewelry and home decor that incorporate military related icons such as soldiers, tanks, bombs, missiles and more.


above: Memorial Flag of Toy Soldiers by Dave Cole (photo courtesy of the artist)

above: Memorial Flag of Toy Soldiers by Dave Cole (detail) (photo courtesy of the artist)

above: Artist Dave Cole with his American Flag (photo courtesy of the artist)


above: the Army Men Alphabet was created by student Oliver Munday for instuctors Nolen Stals and Bruce Willen at the Maryland Institute College of Art (photography by Jay Zukerkorn)


above: Six thousand Parts by artist Valerie Leonard is made 6,000 melted toy soldiers (photo courtesy of the artist)

above: Six thousand Parts by artist Valerie Leonard (detail) (photo courtesy of the artist)

above: Globe made of melted toy soldiers by artist Valerie Leonard (photo courtesy of the artist)


above: Jason Baalman glued 1,500 toy Army men to a camouflaged board to create a portrait of a soldier when viewed from above (photos courtesy of the artist)


above: The Peace Collection designed by Biaugust is comprised of a ceramic bomb vase, a ceramic grenade bank and a ceramic helmet bowl.

Just click on any of the above images for information, images and links to purchase.

Designers, artists and jewelers for items shown include:
Frank Kozik
Pharrell Williams
Chris Collicott
Daniel Loves Objects!
Mosley Meets Wilcox
La Tete au Cube
Stanislav Katz
Art Lebedev
Melanie Favreau
Peas, Corn & Tomato Sauce
Reiko Kaneko
Dave Cole
Christopher Deris
28 Biaugust
Atlason
Valerie Leonard
Jason Baalman
Brad Sherwood for Joy Charbonneau
Joel Escalona

Happy Memorial Day!

Monopoly Goes Modern. A Good Look At The New Monopoly: Revolution Edition

above: no more paper money, Monopoly Revolution has electronic banking


The classic Hasbro board game Monopoly is issuing a new modern version with a round game board, sound effects, music clips, modern graphics, translucent houses and buildings, clear plastic stand up game pieces and electronic banking. Monopoly: Revolution Edition

The most obvious difference is the new round board:


The newly designed game pieces are decidedly different from the original pewter 3D charms:


Got To Jail still has the whistle blowing cop, only now he's a modern graphic icon:


And the houses are translucent red:


The press release:

In 2010, the 75 year tradition of buying, selling and negotiating properties in the quest to own it all gets a modern makeover with the introduction of MONOPOLY: Revolution Edition. The new edition reinvents the traditional MONOPOLY game with a new look, featuring a round game board, standout packaging, electronic banking, music and sound effects.

“As MONOPOLY has truly become the world’s favorite family game brand, and is a part of pop culture, we are pleased to celebrate our anniversary by offering new MONOPOLY entertainment experiences for families around the world.”

“The new MONOPOLY: Revolution Edition continues Hasbro’s tradition of providing new and revolutionary entertainment options for families,” said Jane Ritson-Parsons, Global Brand Leader for MONOPOLY. “As MONOPOLY has truly become the world’s favorite family game brand, and is a part of pop culture, we are pleased to celebrate our anniversary by offering new MONOPOLY entertainment experiences for families around the world.”

In 1935, Parker Brothers began selling MONOPOLY, a property trading game, which would quickly become a cultural phenomenon. Seventy-five years later, more than 1 billion people in 108 countries have played the game designed by Charles Darrow and based on the streets of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

MONOPOLY: Revolution Edition features the traditional streets of Atlantic City, but with property values more reflective of today’s prices. For example, players collect $2 Million when passing “GO” instead of $200. Keeping track of the millions changing hands during game play is an electronic unit that serves as banker, die and music player.

MONOPOLY: Revolution features clips of hit songs from five decades, including “Umbrella,” “Bad Day” and “Drive My Car,” and sound effects throughout the game that bring a contemporary new spin on the classic family favorite.


You can pre-order the new Monopoly Revolution game here for $39.99


Of course, there are tons of Monopoly versions now on the market from specifically branded ones like The Simpsons to Disney versions. Army, Navy... and Star Wars editions, too. But, if the idea of a modern version of the classic board game bothers you, there is an alternative. They have a beautiful wooden replica of their 1935 version:


buy the Monopoly 1935 Deluxe Wood Edition