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trump mausoleum imagined for venice biennale U.S. pavilion by artist andres serrano

a provocative proposal for 2026 venice art biennale

 

Artist Andres Serrano has reportedly submitted a proposal to represent the United States at the 2026 Venice Art Biennale with a site-specific installation centered on Donald Trump. If selected, the project will occupy the neoclassical U.S. Pavilion in Venice’s Giardini, where Serrano plans to build upon his ongoing archive-based artwork, The Game: All Things Trump.

 

Conceived as a spatial and conceptual extension of his earlier exhibitions, the proposal would incorporate hundreds of Trump-related artifacts ranging from commercial products to political ephemera collected by the artist over several years. Serrano has indicated that this expanded version of The Game would also feature his 2022 film Insurrection, with the installation tailored to the U.S. Pavilion’s Palladian structure, framing it as a ‘seat of power.’ The artist envisions the building itself as an architectural stand-in for the White House, exploring its symbolic potential through an object-based narrative.

Andres Serrano’s proposal for the U.S. Pavillon at the 2026 Venice Biennale | visualization courtesy the artist

 

 

andres serrano’s ‘the game’

 

Andres Serrano’s engagement with Trump iconography, which he hopes to display next year in Venice, began in 2019. It was at this time that he held a New York exhibition that displayed branded merchandise, news clippings, and collectible items, including a small chocolate favor given to guests of Donald and Melania’s wedding in 2005. These artifacts were arranged to critique and catalog the commodification of political identity. The project later traveled to venues in Europe and was published as a book, which Trump was photographed holding at Mar-a-Lago in August 2024.

 

For the Venice Art Biennale next year, the artist proposes to re-stage these objects within the Pavilion’s grand rooms. While The Game relies on dense visual cataloging, its presence in Venice would bring heighten the sense of populist spectacle.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Jerry Saltz (@jerrysaltz)

 

 

populism and excess: an installation of ‘american values’

 

Andres Serrano’s past works, especially his irreverent 1987 portrait Immersion (Piss Christ), frequently sparks debate, and his treatment of Trump’s legacy has likewise courted controversy. His film Insurrection was pulled from a London screening over claims it was ‘too pro-Trump’ — a characterization the artist refutes. For Venice, it’s said that the installation aims to represent America through the figure who once claimed that role most explicitly.

 

The U.S. State Department, which oversees the country’s participation in the Biennale, is accepting submissions until July 30th and is expected to announce the selected artist on September 1st. With less than a year remaining before the Biennale’s May 2026 opening, it is still uncertain whether the United States will participate, as the selection process is overseen by the National Endowment for the Arts — an agency reportedly slated for elimination under Trump. See designboom’s coverage here.

artifacts from Andres Serrano’s The Game: All Things Trump

 

 

project info:

 

name: The Game: All Things Trump

artist: Andres Serrano

status: proposal

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A Luxurious Desire: Ancient Near Eastern Ivory Carvings

The post A Luxurious Desire: Ancient Near Eastern Ivory Carvings appeared first on DailyArt Magazine.

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Mysterious Female Nude Statuettes of the Parthian Empire

The post Mysterious Female Nude Statuettes of the Parthian Empire appeared first on DailyArt Magazine.

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Masterpiece Story: Striding Lion from the Ishtar Gate

The post Masterpiece Story: Striding Lion from the Ishtar Gate appeared first on DailyArt Magazine.

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The Ishtar Gate: A Gateway to Babylonian Grandeur

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The post The Ishtar Gate: A Gateway to Babylonian Grandeur appeared first on DailyArt Magazine.

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From Ancient Near East to Dungeons and Dragons: Lamassu, The Mesopotamian Gatekeeper

The post From Ancient Near East to Dungeons and Dragons: Lamassu, The Mesopotamian Gatekeeper appeared first on DailyArt Magazine.

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katerina valsamaki embeds subterranean house into hillside slot on tinos island, greece

Slot House emerges from narrow cut in Tinos’ terrain

 

Located on a steep southern slope of Tinos island, Greece, east of the village of Dio Choria, The Slot House by Katerina Valsamaki Architects is a residential project conceived to integrate discreetly within the Cycladic landscape. The design engages directly with the topography, minimizing its visual presence while framing extensive views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding islands, including Syros, Mykonos, Delos, and Paros.

 

The architectural approach is defined by two principal gestures: partial excavation into the hillside and a linear incision that opens the residence toward the sea. The house’s main volume is embedded into the slope, with the natural terrain enveloping the rear of the structure. In contrast, the front elevation opens to the horizon through a narrow, elongated cut in the earth, orienting the interior spaces toward the view. A continuous canopy extends along the facade, functioning as both a shading element and a visual marker of the building’s presence within the landscape. Behind it, vertical stone walls constructed from local materials provide structural support and contextual reference, further integrating the building into its surroundings. The project is conceived as a ‘slot’ in the hillside, emphasizing a minimal surface impact while maximizing environmental responsiveness.

all images by Panagiotis Voumvakis

 

 

Katerina Valsamaki Architects carves light-filled courtyards

 

A sequence of internal courtyards carved into the massing introduces natural light and ventilation while offering shelter from prevailing northwestern winds. The design team conceives these courtyards as spatial connectors, expanding interior programs outward and creating varied microclimates suited to seasonal use. Pergolas overlay some of these spaces, producing patterned shadows that reinforce the formal clarity of the architecture. At the southernmost edge, a compact, ground-level volume forms the primary visual and physical access point. This threshold volume contains architectural references to traditional dovecotes typical of the island and incorporates views toward the town of Tinos. Adjacent to this volume is a long, narrow pool that spans the length of the house, reinforcing the linear spatial organization.

 

Material choices reflect regional construction practices, with stone, earth, and exposed concrete used in a restrained palette. The architecture avoids dominant visual statements, focusing instead on continuity with the landscape and measured interventions that support both environmental performance and spatial clarity. Katerina Valsamaki Architects’ design for The Slot House operates through contrast, between excavation and exposure, shelter and openness, constructing a residence that is embedded, responsive, and spatially attuned to its Cycladic context.

Slot House is embedded into the hillside of Tinos, Greece

local stone walls blend the architecture into the Cycladic landscape

views extend across Syros, Mykonos, Delos, and Paros islands

a narrow cut in the terrain orients the house toward the Aegean Sea

a compact entrance volume defines the main point of access

 

the structure minimizes visual impact by following the slope’s contours

internal courtyards also provide shelter from strong northwest winds

courtyards are carved into the massing to bring in light and air

a long, narrow pool follows the main axis of the house, serving as a spatial guide

Katerina Valsamaki Architects shapes a residence that is spatially attuned to its site

stone, earth, and concrete form the restrained material palette

pergolas cast dynamic shadows across outdoor living areas

 

project info:

 

name: The Slot House
architects: Katerina Valsamaki Architects | @katerina.valsamaki.architects

location: Dio Choria, Tinos, Cyclades, Greece

area: 230 sqm

 

lead architects: Katerina Valsamaki, Katerina Charisiadi

design team: Katerina Valsamaki, Katerina Charisiadi, Alexandra Baklatzi

project management, supervision: Katerina Valsamaki, Alexandra Baklatzi

structural engineering: ERGOSYSTEM LTD – Chryssanthos Kalligeros, Nelli Tzoumaki

EM engineering: MKA

lighting design: Katerina Valsamaki Architects

interior design: Katerina Valsamaki Architects

decoration & styling: Design Plaza, Katerina Valsamaki Architects 

photographer: Panagiotis Voumvakis | @panagiotisvoumvakis

 

windows doors, and sliding systems: Schüco, Hyline
insulation: Sika
tiles: REFIN, INALCO
tiles and special bathroom constructions: bagno y bagno
lighting products: Bright Special Lighting
plasterboards: KNAUF
faucets: RITMONIO
toilets: TOTO
air conditioning terminal devices: Air Grilles
aluminum powder coating: Akzo Nobel
interior and exterior color coating: Vivechrom
exterior wall systems and finishes: Dryvit Systems, Inc.
pool: STELNIC
green roof: EGREEN ZINCO
switches-sockets: Legrand
metal and aluminum constructions: Komeal
special constructions: METALLOCK
air conditioning systems: TOSHIBA
floor heating: REHAU
heat pumps and solar panels: VAILLANT
furniture: DESIGN PLAZA

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post katerina valsamaki embeds subterranean house into hillside slot on tinos island, greece appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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Beyond Color: How PITAKA’s Sunset Collection Is Shaping the Future of Emotional Design

You rarely get to witness a sunset every single day unless you find a way to carry one with you. To celebrate two years of the Sunset Collection, PITAKA has launched a visual campaign called Carry the Sunset, Keep the Moment. The campaign moves beyond admiring natural beauty, turning the colors of sunset into something that everyone can share and make part of their daily lives.

Designer: PITAKA

Click Here to Buy Now: 15% off. hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The Making of a Sunset: How a Color Became an Emotional Language

Two years ago, PITAKA set out to capture the feeling of sunset and turn it into something you could actually hold. The first step was creating a natural gradient on aramid fiber, using a technique that blended the warmth of fabric with the flowing look of nature. This involved far more than a simple dye job, relying on a careful process that controlled how colors shifted within strong fibers. By combining new materials with visual storytelling, PITAKA created a design that feels both logical and emotional.

The Sunset Collection draws inspiration from the soft light at dusk, using a gradient that moves from pale gold to burnt orange and deep blue-violet. It captures the fleeting beauty of sunlight as it fades and the calm that comes with slower city moments. Since its introduction, the collection has become a favorite, often selling out and inspiring many imitators. Its unique look has become instantly recognizable across different platforms.

Sunset is not simply a passing color trend for PITAKA. It becomes a gentle rhythm you can almost feel, linking people to their environment in quiet ways. Each product is part of an ongoing journey, searching for that balance where technology and beauty meet and linger, leaving a mark that goes beyond what the eye can see.

The Meaning of Design: Not to Flatter the Eye, But to Echo Emotion

For PITAKA, sunset stands as a rhythm you can sense, a link between people and their surroundings, and a way to explore how technology and beauty can work together. The brand believes that design should do more than flatter the eye; it should connect with people on a deeper level. The Sunset Collection was always meant to be more than another product line. It asks whether technical materials can remind us of the gentle changes in sunlight and whether everyday items like phone cases or power banks can carry emotion.

PITAKA has worked to fill each product with a sense of romance, comfort, and rhythm through the idea of sunset. The name itself is becoming a symbol for the kind of lifestyle and taste that PITAKA stands for. Now, the brand is inviting people from around the world to share their own sunset moments, opening up new conversations about how we see and feel design.

From Innovation to Co-Creation: How PITAKA Will Bring Global Sunset Moments to Life

The new campaign is built around the signature sunset palette and invites everyone to take part. Through social media, people can join the Sunset One-Liner Challenge and the Sunset Moment Collection, with top entries winning special rewards. Details can be found through the provided links. On PITAKA’s website, visitors can capture their favorite sunset and receive a custom bookmark inspired by the collection. Whether it is a photo of the evening sky, a golden hour memory, or a quiet scene at dusk, everyone is encouraged to share their own sunset. All these moments will be brought together in a digital artwork called the Global Sunset Mosaic.

PITAKA wants the sunset to become more than a passing scene. The goal is to make it a lasting memory that stays with you throughout your day. To bring this idea to life, PITAKA is launching new Sunset Editions of several products.

PITAKA Aramid Fiber Case with Capacitive Camera Control Buttons lets you capture moments with a single tap. The capacitive shutter buttons are always ready, whether you are chasing the golden light at dusk or snapping a quick silhouette. Inspiration can strike at any time, and this case makes sure you never miss the chance to keep those memories close.

PITAKA Aramid Fiber Magnetic Power Bank keeps your devices charged with a simple magnetic connection. Designed for people who are always on the move, it lets you recharge without missing a beat. The colors of sunset are woven into its design, adding a touch of warmth and creativity to every journey you take.

PITAKA Magnetic Woven Wallet features a gentle gradient that holds your cards like a soft ray of light. The minimalist shape is paired with thoughtful details, making it both practical and pleasing to carry. Each time you reach for it, you are reminded of the subtle beauty found in everyday moments.

PITAKA Aramid Fiber Magnetic Case turns every music session into a personal ritual. Opening the case feels like starting the soundtrack to your own sunset, setting the mood for relaxation or creativity. The magnetic design keeps things simple, while the colors echo the calm and richness of twilight.

PITAKA’s mission is to give technology a more emotional side. The brand believes that great design should do more than serve a purpose; it should create experiences that touch the senses. Through the Chasing the Sunset initiative, PITAKA hopes to inspire people to become storytellers and creators in their everyday lives.

The campaign is now live on PITAKA’s website and social channels, with a limited-time flash sale to celebrate sunset moments. Both new and returning users are invited to take part, helping to redefine what sunset means in the digital age through their stories, photos, and products.

Click Here to Buy Now: 15% off. hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The post Beyond Color: How PITAKA’s Sunset Collection Is Shaping the Future of Emotional Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

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IKEA’s Space-Saving Table Is Perfect for RVs & Tiny Homes Without the Budget Look

There’s something brilliant about the IKEA PINNTORP table that most people miss on first glance. Sure, it looks like another piece of Scandinavian furniture with clean lines and that familiar pine-and-white combo, but dig deeper and you’ll find a piece that’s solving real problems for people living in tight spaces. The magic happens with those hinged leaves. When you need a proper dining table, the PINNTORP opens up to seat four people comfortably. When you don’t, it folds down to just over 26 inches wide. That transformation takes seconds and turns what could be a space-hogging dining table into something that fits against a wall like a narrow console. It’s the kind of smart design that makes you wonder why more furniture doesn’t work this way.

RV owners figured this out before anyone else, calling it their secret weapon against cramped quarters. The DIY Mommy even featured it as one of two IKEA tables perfect for RV living. At around $230, it costs way less than custom RV furniture while working better than most built-in options. The solid pine construction handles the constant movement and vibration of life on the road, something flimsy alternatives simply can’t manage.

Designer: IKEA

The Ultimate Space-Saving Dining Solution

But here’s what sold me on this table: it doesn’t look like budget furniture. The white-stained trim keeps it from feeling too rustic, while the natural wood grain adds warmth without being overwhelming. Throw a simple runner across it or add some fresh flowers, and suddenly you’ve got a dining setup that could easily be featured in a design magazine. That visual appeal matters when you’re living in 200 square feet and every piece needs to pull double duty.

The timing couldn’t have been better. As housing costs have skyrocketed and living spaces have shrunken, people need furniture that adapts rather than dominates. The PINNTORP delivers exactly that flexibility. It is perfect as a small-space solution or as an element of budget-friendly room makeovers. You can also stylishly add it to other living quarters besides RVs, from studio apartments to tiny homes. Although the PINNTORP wasn’t created specifically for RVers or tiny homes, I feel it could have found its niche.

The practical details matter too. IKEA sells little floor protectors for a couple of bucks that prevent scratches when you’re constantly moving the table around. The standard warranty covers the basics, and replacement parts are easy to find if something breaks. These aren’t exciting features, but they make the difference between furniture that works and furniture that becomes a headache.

The PINNTORP shows us that good design doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes it just needs to solve a problem people didn’t realize they had until they found the solution. For anyone juggling limited space with the desire for actual furniture that works, this Swedish table might just be the unsung hero they’ve been looking for.

FAQs

1. Is the IKEA PINNTORP table good for small spaces or RVs?

Yes. The IKEA PINNTORP table is perfect for small-space living. Its gateleg design allows you to fold down one or both sides, so it can function as a compact console table when not in use and expand to a full dining table when needed. This makes it ideal for RV owners, tiny home dwellers, and apartment residents who need to maximize every inch of available space. Its lightweight yet sturdy construction also means it’s easy to move and reposition, making it a flexible solution for dynamic living environments like RVs.

2. How does the PINNTORP gateleg table work, and how many people can it seat?

The PINNTORP gateleg table features two hinged leaves that can be raised or lowered independently, allowing you to adjust the table size based on your needs. When fully extended, it provides enough space to comfortably seat up to four people for meals, work, or socializing. When both leaves are folded down, the table becomes a slim console that’s perfect for tight hallways or as an extra surface. This versatility makes it ideal for those who want a dining solution that adapts to different occasions without permanently taking up valuable floor space.

3. What are the main benefits of the PINNTORP table compared to other space-saving dining tables?

The PINNTORP table is appealing thanks to its solid pine construction, which offers durability and a warm, Scandinavian-inspired look that fits a variety of décor styles. Unlike many budget space-saving tables, the PINNTORP doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics for function—it looks just as good styled for a dinner party as it does tucked away. Its easy-to-use folding mechanism, affordable price point, and compatibility with other IKEA products make it a practical choice for anyone seeking a balance of style, function, and value.

The post IKEA’s Space-Saving Table Is Perfect for RVs & Tiny Homes Without the Budget Look first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Lantern-Inspired Hotel Towers Set to Redefine Bangkok’s Skyline With Thai Craftsmanship & Modern Design

Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the Hatai reimagines a vital corner of Bangkok through the poetry of architecture and tradition. Rising from the site of the original Narai Hotel, this development will introduce two hotels—Six Senses and Narai Hotel—within a 10,500-square-metre composition. Here, lantern-like towers emerge as sculptural icons, their softly stacked forms referencing the warmth of classic Thai craftsmanship. The silhouette, undeniably bold yet gentle, offers an antidote to the severity of Bangkok’s more anonymous towers, promising a softer skyline and a new sense of public belonging.

At the ground level, Hatai unfolds as a public village: plazas shaded by the lanterns above, native plantings, a shrine, and an open-air market coexist with a restored canal. This network of walkways and communal spaces isn’t just a gesture—it’s a vibrant invitation for the city to gather, linger, and reconnect. By restoring the canal and carving out public thoroughfares, Heatherwick Studio infuses the site with the fluidity and openness at the heart of Thai urban life, giving the city back a piece of itself in the process.

Designer: Heatherwick Studio

The design’s most memorable move is its explicit homage to traditional Thai lanterns. These towers aren’t ordinary buildings—they are luminous markers, each layer echoing the delicacy of paper and bamboo, the glow of celebration. The intention is clear: to build in a way that honors local heritage, while also stitching new stories and public experiences into the city’s fabric. The rounded, stacked forms do more than catch the light; they invite participation and create moments of shelter, shade, and surprise.

For Heatherwick Studio, Hatai is more than a debut in Thailand. It’s a statement on the future of urban hospitality and placemaking. By integrating commerce, community, and landscape within a single, expressive form, the project aspires to dissolve boundaries between inside and out, guest and local, old and new. The plaza, with its open-air market and event spaces, will be a hub for both travelers and Bangkok residents—a space animated by daily life and tradition, not just hotel guests.

The Hatai’s ambition extends beyond aesthetics. Hatai aims to restore detail, emotion, and narrative to a city too often shaped by the blankness of modern development. Thomas Heatherwick’s vision is to reconnect the built environment with the richness of Thai culture, creating not just a destination but a story that belongs to Bangkok.

By referencing the country’s heritage in every gesture—from the lantern motif to the canal’s return—Hatai offers a new model for how global design can root itself in local meaning. When it opens in 2027, Hatai will stand as an example of design as a cultural bridge and urban catalyst. It brings warmth, memory, and community back to the city’s core, proving that the best architecture is both a reflection and a celebration of its place.

The post Lantern-Inspired Hotel Towers Set to Redefine Bangkok’s Skyline With Thai Craftsmanship & Modern Design first appeared on Yanko Design.