1000 Extra/Ordinary Objects

by Colors Magazine

Things, objects, stuff, trinkets, tools, materials, gadgets, the things we use, abuse, throw away, cherish, depend these are the things we own, simple objects for our everyday lives. They may or may not hold special meaning to us, but their importance as objects of cultural identity is unmistakable. Produced, under the direction of Olivieri Toscani, by the agency Colors (the same agency that produces Benetton's campaigns), Extra/Ordinary's subject matter may be already familiar to those who have seen recent features in the agency's magazine, Colors. Colors' motto, ""diversity is good"", translates perfectly into a book that celebrates the differences in our everyday objects. Continuing the theme introduced in Colors, this new book shows us the extraordinary in the ordinary. Jaunting off on a tour around the globe, you'll see that what is ordinary halfway across the world (or perhaps for your neighbors across the street) may be totally foreign to you. Discover the wonderful absurdity of a priest's portable mass-in-a-briefcase kit, or the stunning difference between fly-swatters from Zimbabwe and South Korea. Ogle at the juxtaposition of neoprene surfing shoes and bullfighting slippers; have a gander at a package of emu cutlets and a can of blowfish soup. In case you see something that you absolutely must have, check out the yellow pages section at the end of the book; here you can find out where to get it and even how much it costs, as well as lots of little tidbits of interesting information to make your journey complete. Maybe you've already come across some of these objects, or will seek them out on future voyages. Next time you pick up your toothbrush or comb your hair, youmay think twice about the things that you use every day- perhaps they're not so ordinary after all.

Genres: Art, Design, Nonfiction, Photography, Reference

764 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2000

Reviews

[7jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather fun book full of objects with descriptions in English and French, and with an introduction by Peter Gabriel. These objects can tell a lot about us, and of certain time in history – this book’s stuff is from around 2000/2005, so in some cases history has marched on a little. These are some examples of things familiar, funny, odd, creepy… things that promise things but won’t deliver it, uncomfortable-to-use ones, dangerous ones too (hello landmines), and silly things.

How much of these are really used, and what geographical/culture/gender/faith etc. limits for the use of some are. Some are clearly inventions with limited success changes. With some objects one learns some interesting facts also, like where Jell-O’s gelatin comes from, how some land mines explodes, how the exact ingredients of cigarettes is still a secret and how it can vary from brand to brand, that playing with marbles was forbidden by the Taliban.

Objects are organised in groups:
- eating: food & drunk, tools, containers
- clothes, accessories, make-ups, looks-tools, sex aiders
- ones with animal connection (incl. those about pets)
- body-related (health, sex, etc.)
- belief and mental (incl.some health)
- leisure (incl. toys, clothes, souvenirs)

Some examples: a traveler’s blood bag, canned Barbie-brand food, Hitler wine, a KKK doll, pubic wig, blood-type condoms (from Japan), cowboy boot urn, roadkill taste-enhancer sauce, Hello Kitty credit card, skunk perfume, nipple lightener cream, hayfever glasses, foreskin restorer, Tiffany & Co.’s sterling silver bubble blower, a Zapatista figurine…

The book is a bit heavy to hold, but there’s a lot of objects to look at (so reading might take a while), and the photos are done in the true COLORS style. Reading this was more entertaining and informative than I thought it would be, so I would say it was well worth the read.

[Mercurymouth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published 26 years ago...I have had this book for a while. When i was in my 20's it lived in the bathroom... you know, a bathroom book used to be a thing back in the day (I'm sure people are just on their phones now). Anyway it was entertaining.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting for 5 minutes.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book to browse through when you just want to switch off and be amused

[Noel N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love interesting design oriented stuff like this.

[Hank · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, open picture book. Definitely a good pickup for a coffee table discussion piece.

[Jeannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting look at many things I never even knew existed. Book is full of full cover photos.