Inbox: Rubik’s Cube Table

As the associate to Stefano Tonchi, W’s editor-in-chief, the things that come across my desk range from the apropos runway look books and gallery invites, to the more obscure and rather creative —like say a bedazzled brassiere or a scratch ‘n sniff press release. One of the recent standouts in the creative category was an enormous light up Rubik’s cube— a nostalgic riff on that beloved Hasbro toy.

This objet d’art and conversation piece is the handiwork of 35-year-old artist Parvez Taj, his way of paying tribute to an iconic design element from his childhood. “I grew up in the 80s and spent a summer with my babysitters, who obsessively played with Rubik’s cubes while watching Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” The Los Angeles-based artist frequently dabbles in acrylic cubes that double as light sources or end tables, but his latest offering, sold exclusively at Grey Area, was more for fun than anything else. He thought it was fitting to send to W as the magazine has partnered with the gallery on several occasions, most recently feting the work of artist Rashaad Newsome. As to how fast he can solve the classic puzzle, Taj says with a laugh, “I’ve never solved it!” Maybe the old saying should go, “Those that can, do; those that can’t, create.”