Light, squeezable and durable, this foam toy fits in the palm of your hand and offers some pithy, sound advice to put your troubles into perspective when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Its heart shape reveals the compassion, as opposed to nihilism, of artist Adam J. Kurtz’s message: nothing matters. When everything seems to matter a little too much, this object invites you to channel Kurtz’s self-described “back-handed optimism” and take the longer view.
Adam J. Kurtz (aka Adam JK)’s work in design and illustration often deploys honest, dark humor. His writings have been translated into over a dozen languages and featured in a signing at MoMA. Originally a patch design, the Nothing Matters Stress Ball is manufactured by Third Drawer Down, an Australian company that collaborates with artists to reimagine their work as accessible, everyday objects. The Nothing Matters Heart Stress Ball is made from plastic and measures 3.1h x 2.9w x 2.9"d.