The past few months have been distressing, to say the least. But amidst a relentless negative news cycle, Tatsuya Tanaka is doing his part to bring joy to people around the world. The Japanese artist's Miniature Calendar series, in which he recreates everyday scenes in miniature form using household objects, has been an ongoing project since 2011, but it seems to be particularly resonating with audiences at the moment.
In response to COVID-19 and lockdown, Tanaka has been utilising everyday items related to the pandemic to help craft his miniature worlds. Disposable masks double as a pool, tent and volleyball net; a thermometer becomes a hoverboard; plastic gloves transform into a wave. These objects that we readily associate with fear and tragedy take on a new lighthearted meaning. As Tanaka explains, "Everyday occurrences seen from a miniature perspective can bring us lots of fun thoughts."
Tanaka has taken social media by storm with his Miniature Calendar series, proving that in these tough times, everyone is seeking delight in the small things — quite literally.
Keep up to date with Tatsuya Tanaka and his ongoing series by following him on Instagram.
For more miniature art, check out Frank Kunert's perception-altering photography.
