"Blu" Kite by Michael Thompson

Chicago-based artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites crafted from split bamboo frames covered with stretched muslin and a collage of vintage Asian ephemera—including fragments of fabric, scrolls, drawings, and books collected during his travels. In this kite entitled "Blu," Thompson plays with the interactions of the contemporary with the future, inspired by the writings of Philip K. Dick. Combining literary influences with the street art styles of his studio mates, the artist collages bits of paper into an abstract composition of shapes, symbols, and patterns.

Thompson has earned an international reputation for his kite works, an engrossing project initiated by the artist more than a decade ago.