The article explores the fascination humans have with objects designed to mimic others, a phenomenon that spans history and culture. Notable examples include the surreal designs of Elsa Schiaparelli and various items showcased in the exhibition 'The Best Kept Secret: 200 Years of Blooks' at the Center for Book Arts in New York. Curator Mindell Dubansky introduced the term 'blook' to encapsulate this genre of design. The article highlights that design intention is key, distinguishing true 'blooks' from casual imitations.
A benign quirk of humanity is that we are delighted by things designed to look like other things. From swan-shaped beds to cherry-shaped toilet brushes, the joy in mimicking objects is timeless.
Mindell Dubansky, the exhibit's curator, coined the term 'blook' out of necessity to describe book-esque objects—a delightful term that some revel in but others despise.
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