When artists meet brands

New Gestalten book Taken By Surprise is a comprehensive run through of the artier and more experimental projects created by artists and designers for (mostly luxury)brands.

Tobias Rehberger for Artek
Tobias Rehberger for Artek

Although the copy is rather impenetrable (‘brands calibrate signature elements as a targeted attempt to develop and foster a brand personality’, we are told. And we just thought they gave artists loads of cash to create nice things…) the images, as you might expect, are pretty cool.

Eurohigh and The Way Factory for KRADS supported by Lego
Eurohigh and The Way Factory for KRADS supported by Lego

The brands (Swarovski, BMW, Fendi et al) are all represented, alongside the design big-hitters, Sagmeister, Hayon, Marc Newson etc.

Magpie Studio for Gavin Martin Colournet
Magpie Studio for Gavin Martin Colournet

Sitting alongside all the luxury fashion and booze brands, we’re pleased to see Magpie Studio’s charming proof bags for printer Gavin Martin Colournet.

Exterior boat camouflage by Jeff Koons
Exterior boat camouflage by Jeff Koons

At the other end of the scale, Porfiristudio, Jeff Koons and others created this boat, and Jaime Hayon designed this plane for Bisazza. It doesn’t fly though, it’s a ‘humorous installation’ apparently.

Hayon Studio for Bisazza
Hayon Studio for Bisazza

Taken by Surprise, Cutting-Edge Collaborations Between Designers, Artists and Brands, is published by Gestalten priced at £45.

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