Modern Remix: Irony in Contemporary Design

Contemporary design tends to incorporate elements of past eras and styles with modern design sensibility. Sergio Silva's "Oyule Lamps" serve as an obvious reminder that modern design doesn't always have to incorporate modern technology or materials. A throwback to the 19th century, his design melds old fashioned oil lamp technology with Thomas Edison's patented light bulb.

This contemporary piece of design uses irony to its advantage through the juxtaposition of two similar yet dissimilar objects. By fashioning a lamp - almost a candle - using a light bulb as a base and container for fuel, Sergio has effectively rendered modern technology useless, potentially foreshadowing the inevitable future demise of technology and the return of humans to our humble beginnings. The effectiveness of this design lies in the irony present, since, executed any other way, this piece would simply be an oil lamp. Combine and present two opposing objects, however, and it becomes a bold statement - one with connotations of old and new; the poster child for "remix" design.