Helga Stentzel’s quirky and imaginative art gives new life to everyday laundry. Known for her unique “household surrealism,” the London-based artist arranges clothing items—like socks, sweatshirts, and onesies—on a clothesline to create whimsical scenes that delight the eye. Her playful “Clothesline Art” reveal animals, from a cow grazing peacefully to a sloth hanging lazily, using nothing more than carefully arranged laundry.
Stentzel’s creations are brought to life against stunning backdrops, with her latest pieces photographed in diverse locations such as Austria’s snowy mountains, the iconic River Thames, and the colorful buildings of Burano in the Venetian Lagoon. Each setting enhances the personality of her “clothesline creatures,” transforming the simple act of hanging laundry into a moment of artistic wonder.
One of the standout aspects of Stentzel’s work is her ability to evoke a sense of humor and imagination through mundane items. Her “cow” illusion, for instance, features a cleverly folded sweater that, when arranged just right, resembles a grazing animal. Similarly, a pair of socks and a onesie can be made to mimic a sloth, adding a whimsical touch to an everyday scene. This inventive approach has captivated audiences and earned her a growing following, eager to see where her next creature might appear.
Stentzel is currently collaborating with the Helsinki-based performance company Portmanteau, incorporating her surreal compositions into their latest production. Her work, though rooted in household simplicity, has found an expansive audience drawn to its charm and creativity. For fans eager to bring a piece of her surreal art into their own homes, Stentzel offers select prints in her online shop.
To stay updated with Helga Stentzel’s latest creations, including her popular clothesline creatures, be sure to follow her on Instagram, where she regularly shares new works that transform ordinary laundry into delightful, imaginative scenes.
She has select prints available in her shop, and keep an eye on Instagram for new clothesline creatures.
