Where playful objects are transformed into loathsome ways. A place where slightly twisted and unusual artifacts can be found for curious digital collectors.
This project is a creative collaboration with my close friend and exceptionally talented illustrator and artist, Eric Lardenoije. Together, we set out to merge two worlds: Eric’s visionary perspective, rich in metaphor and artistic language, and my technical expertise in 3D design and digital construction. By building upon his unique style, we created a body of work that feels both playful and unsettling.
The name of the collaboration was inspired by the emojis we use most in our everyday conversations. For me, it’s the smirk emoji; for Eric, the grin. Both carry the essence of a smile, but with a mischievous and slightly sinister undertone just like the artworks themselves.
This partnership culminated in an exclusive NFT collection released on OpenSea, featuring three collectible series:
In the Flesh
A set of three pieces inspired by balloon modeling, where animals are traditionally twisted from plastic balloons. Instead of plastic, we imagined them made from skin-like material, complete with tattoos and eerie details. The monkey, swan, and iconic dog balloon are reimagined as grotesque yet fascinating sculptures turning pop art into something unsettlingly visceral.
Weapon of Choice
In this series, we fused fruits with weapons to explore the theme of perception and distortion. A banana becomes a gun; a pineapple becomes a grenade. The work challenges viewers to question appearances, reminding us that not everything is what it seems objects can shift meaning depending on their context.
Real Emoji
Our final series reconsiders the emojis we use daily, stripping away their lighthearted veneer. Instead of cute, friendly icons, we gave them form in dark, mysterious 3D renderings. These “real” emojis embody the idea that digital symbols are not always sunshine and rainbows, but can reflect deeper, more unsettling emotions.
