Having lived in Korea for 8.5 years has taught me that the country is huge on recycling ‒ not separating your trash properly can result in a fine. With that being said, Korean artist Gyuhan Lee has gained attention for his creative take on repurposing McDonald’s paper bags into aesthetically-pleasing lamps. Read on to find out more about his creations.
Gyuhan might ring a bell to some thanks to his previous works on upcycled Nike shoe box furniture. This time around, he is repurposing McDonald’s paper bags into structural lamps, which double as a way to express your love for the fast food chain.
Based on an Instagram post, Gyuhan explained that the lamps aren’t only made from paper bags. Instead, he attaches traditional Korean paper hanji to the McDonald’s paper bags to produce a sturdier material. This way, the lamps get to last longer, and give off a warm hue when the switch is turned on.
Depending on the design he is working on, Gyuhan selects different parts of the McDonald’s paper bags to produce a distinctive pattern you won’t find anywhere else. For instance, the lamp above showcases a repeated pattern of the McDonald’s logo.
In another design, he crafted a lamp using limited edition McDonald’s paper bags from Japan, which stand out with unique cherry blossom motifs and Japanese lettering. Since we don’t often come across such creative artworks in our everyday lives, Gyuhan’s designs are no doubt impressive.
Most importantly, Gyuhan’s works also embody subtle hints of traditional Korean elements, which showcases his pride as a Korean. Perhaps in the near future, he might even come up with other innovative creations that cement his name as a must-watch artist.
McDonald’s aside, Gyuhan has also created Gucci-themed hanging lamps that once again highlight his talent. Fans of the luxury brand might recognise Gucci’s signature Horsebit pattern featured on his lamps.
Despite the simplicity of his designs, they appear stylish and suit the aesthetic of a minimalist lover.
It is amazing to see how Gyuhan has repurposed McDonald’s paper bags into artistic lamps, a concept that no one has thought of. While his designs are currently not available for sale, you can check out more of his works on his Instagram.
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