Cool Hunting

NYC-based artists Markus Linnenbrink, Fred Tomaselli, Marilyn Minter and Phoebe Washburn collaborated with Artware Editions on an environmentally-sound (and avant-garde) alternative to the living Christmas tree.

Each artist came up with a die-cut vinyl wall sticker of the life-sized trees that are the mainstay of the yuletide tradition and the results bear the mark of their creators. Tomaselli's tall and skinny version (above left) is overloaded with a riot of shiny ornaments; a hardware store assemblage makes up Washburn's contribution (above right); Minter's, a reissue from 2007, features her characteristic opulence and comes with extra ornaments (below right); and Acharliebrownchristmas (below left) by Linnenbrink remakes the pop culture reference in the image of his candy-colored works for a neo-tribal effect.

Perfect for those of us living in cramped quarters who can do without the tree-trimming tradition, simply unfurl it and stick to the wall. The two-dimensional Christmas tree can be easily repackaged and rolled out again year after year.

The designer trees are available for $100 and can be had by sending an email (info [at} artwareeditions [dot] com or calling +1 212 463 7490. Place your order before 15 November 2008 and it's guaranteed to arrive before Turkey Day (27 November 2008).