lesha limonov's sleep masks depict eyes from iconic masterpieces

as part of the international rijksstudio award 2017, belarusian graphic designer lesha limonov unveils his sleep masks with eyes of iconic masterpieces in art. the competition, initiated by the rijksmuseum of amsterdam, invites designers to re-interpret the exhibited artworks and incorporate them into their creations  whether in the fields of fashion, photography, graphic design or applied arts — among many others.  

the sleeping masks ‘cut-outs’ of the eyes depicted in iconic artworks 

titled ‘masterpieces never sleep!’, lesha limonov’s project for the international rijksstudio award 2017 has been influenced by the idea that paintings stay awake even after the museum halls turn empty at nighttime. in other words, the masterpieces are looking out into the darkness, sleepless, and monitoring the surroundings until sunrise when the museum will open again to welcome visitors. as the designer puts it, ‘by trying on the mask with painting character’s eyes, you can be sure that you’ll see true masterpieces in your dream! and your dream will be under protection, because painting heroes stay awake guarding your rest. have a good night’. 

masterpieces never sleep!
video courtesy of lesha limonov 

the packaging is presented in the shape of a cardboard tube, and each masterpiece is depicted with the parts of the eyes ‘cut-out’. the portraits include some of the most renowned artists and their work, such as vincent van gogh’s ‘self-portrait’ (1987) and rembrandt’s ‘the night watch’ (1642).

the project is influenced by the idea that artworks stay ‘awake’ after the museum hall become empty at night

packaging made out of cardboard tube

each package depicts the masterpiece embedded into the sleep mask, highlighting the cut-out of the eyes 

the title of each artwork is shown on the lid of the cardboard tubes

the sleeping masks depict some of the most renowned paintings, including works by van gogh and rembrandt

labels and titles for each sleep mask 

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: lea zeitoun | designboom