Adam Voorhes
If I had a coin for every time people say “‘You’re so OCD,” I would probably arrange them by size, color, and denomination, not before washing them and disinfecting them. Well jokes aside, it would appear that today people are quick to claim they have OCD, simply because they are soothed by perfection and precision. Austin Radcliffe, the mastermind behind Things Organized Neatly, believes there’s a universal appeal for perfection which cannot be explained. “There have been speculations about psychology and evolutionary instincts. It is satisfying to see things laid out, neatly organized,” he adds.
Jim Golden Video Games
Toast David Corns – Modern Makers
The following images don’t just beckon the most arden of neat freaks, I believe everyone will be attracted to their precise and colorful compositions. Radcliffe himself started this project because of his passion for archeology and photo documentation and this is clearly reflected in the curation process he carries out. “I was studying design and watching a lot of Wes Anderson films when I started the blog in 2010. I discovered Mark Dion around that time, and was drawn to the intersections of science and art.” In his eyes, archeology and the process of documenting the past was an aesthetic world that was neatly organized into hand tools, grid paper, and precision.
Barry Rosenthal – “Found in Nature”
@emilyblincoe
It doesn’t matter if its beautiful roses or pink lollipops perfectly spread out across the board, there’s always a clean, clear cut design that makes the viewer sigh with pleasure. Nature is bountiful and chaotic, but in Radcliffe’s world, it is contained and each element can be admired for its symmetry and beauty. This process of deconstruction gives unparalleled insight into small elements you would normally take for granted. Would you have noticed the soft petals of these peach roses if they had been covered by the ferns and leaves? Would you have admired the different green tonalities of the leaves? Perhaps you would have, but your eyes would have quickly skirted to the next object. These images make you stop and admire each element.
@witenry
Carl Kleiner for IKEA
Radcliffe takes on the role of an artistic curator and his selection process is instinctual. He explains, “There is definitely an instinct or X-factor that I follow when selecting work. I consider image quality, neatness, and a certain je ne sais quoi.” I would like to think that this enigmatic sensation pushing Radcliffe is his need to provide gratifying images to a world that is constantly grappling with chaos. I guess that the unpredictability we experience on a daily basis makes us crave patterns and routines. A perfectly laid out plan is pleasing and comforting since it glosses over the unknown with certainty.
Florent Tanet – “Banana”
Jim Golden – “Guns”
These beautifully curated images allow us to discern what lies in front of us and enjoy the beauty of everyday life. Yes, life is messy and it cannot be controlled, but it can be perfectly documented for posterity. If you are a lover of control, an admirer of minimalism, or a social media wonder child who is constantly documenting your day, allow yourself to be taken to a colorful, joyous, and controlled reality.
Austin Radcliffe – “Tate 2”
Michael Johansson “Self Contained”
“One of my favorites is this photo I took in London. It was such an exciting time, and we borrowed all these strange instruments and objects from the Tate Education rooms, where kids play at the museum. This image takes me back to the top floor of the old Tate Modern, with a view of the Thames & St Paul’s Cathedral.”
In this life we each pave our own roads, some with joyous abandonment and others lay the bricks next to each other in a pleasing fashion. We don’t really know where these paths may lead, but at least we take comfort in the fact that we ourselves hold the tools in our hands and have the power to point out in which direction we’ll go next. If you loved Austin Radcliffe’s work, you can purchase a copy of his book, THINGS ORGANIZED NEATLY: The Art Of Arranging The Everyday or follow his official tumblr or Instagram account.
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