Reading: Steve Hollinger’s umbrella

Boston artist and inventor Steve Hollinger is the subject of a big article by Susan Orlean in this week’s New Yorker (abstract only). It focuses on an improved umbrella (above) that he designed, and which could come onto the market this spring. Orlean writes:

The umbrella looks like a cross between a bike helmet and a sou’wester fisherman’s hat – in fact, Hollinger made the pattern for his prototype using his bike helmet. His original model was made of silky black fabric with a fire-engine-red underside, which he liked because even in a rainstorm it would make the user feel as though it were a really bright day.

Related:

• Our review of “Atomic,” Hollinger’s last exhibition at Chase Gallery.
• The Photographic Resource Center’s exhibition “Picture Show” – including Hollinger’s “Fatherdance” – was part of our “Best of 2007” list.