Nerds Republic

The work of artist Patrik Svensson is deceptively simple. At first glance, broad areas of color and clear lines make these minimalist images seem straightforward. After all, with such a simple style, what else could possibly be going on?

Well, a lot. Svensson manages to capture layers of meaning in his illustrations by encapsulating complex ideas and themes into strikingly simple images. Working from his studio in Gothenburg, Sweden, his clients have included huge names like Starbucks and Airbnb. His artwork has also been featured in major magazines worldwide.

This illustration for the Washington Post covered a festival that hightlighted the work of female playwrights.

And this one for Men’s Health was about the benefits of a 45-minute workout.

Icon commissioned this piece to accompany an article about speaking to animals.

Svensson’s illustrations often include some kind of visual pun — a hidden message that lends deeper meaning to the image — which makes his work all the more interesting.

Others are beautiful in their simplicity.

His Flippable series features pictures that can be viewed from different angles. Each piece is essentially two images in one.

You can check out more of Svensson’s work, both personal and professional, on his website. If you like what you see, be sure to keep up with his latest pieces on Instagram and Tumblr.

In Stockholm, Sweden, right before hauling away literally tons of rotting, dripping, stinky garbage to the incinerator, workers heard a tiny noise from the mountain of trash. Small meows were coming from inside the mess, and the workers weren’t about to let whatever kitten was in there get thrown into a fire…so they dove in to its rescue.

This is what they were up against.

So. Much. Garbage…juice.

They used a shovel and broom to carefully sift through all of the sludge…

Making sure not to hurt the kitty in the process.

After 30 minutes, they saw this.

He was slimy, stinky, and repulsed by his own condition, but otherwise alright.

After a bath at the shelter, he was still a little grumpy about the situation.

I would be too. Ick x 1,000.

But he soon cheered up!

Because one of the shelter workers adopted him not too long after he came in.

(via The Dodo)

What started off as a scary and so, so, so, sososo gross situation turned into a good thing for this little guy. Had he not gotten stuck in this trash heap, he might never have found this loving forever home — talk about a silver (trashy) lining!

We’ve seen a ton of inventive and clever homes here on ViralNova, but this has to be one of our favorites so far. The best part about this hidden home is that you could pass right by it and never know what you were missing.

Created from a decommissioned church in Sweden, the charming old building is getting a new lease on life as a spacious, airy home.

(via Reddit)

We’re not sure what was done with the bell tower (we’re hoping for a sweet, if narrow, party room), or whether the backyard is full of graves. Still, we love this cute church’s new function. It’s a great way to celebrate the history and architecture, and give new life to an old building!