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UNIQLO Artist Collaboration with ARS: Iconic Art Meets Fashion
Experience the fusion of art and fashion with Artist Rights Society x UNIQLO artist collaboration series, featuring iconic works from renowned artists. Partner with ARS to bring legendary art into everyday life and make your next project unforgettable.
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(Left to Right) UNIQLO T-shirts featuring the work of Alexander Calder, Helen Frankenthaler, and Julian Opie
© 2024 Calder Foundation, New York / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Calder® is a registered trademark of Calder Foundation, New York; © 2024 Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; © Julian Opie, courtesy Lisson Gallery / Barbara Krakow Gallery / ARS, New York / DACS, London
At the intersection of art and fashion, innovative collaborations can create compelling new avenues for artistic expression and accessibility. The partnership between Artists Rights Society (ARS) and UNIQLO is a prime example of such a dynamic synergy, bringing the works of celebrated artists to a broader audience through wearable art. This collaboration not only celebrates the legacy of renowned artists but also democratizes art, making it a part of everyday life.
Artists Rights Society has long been a champion for artists’ intellectual property rights, ensuring that artists and their estates are fairly compensated for the use of their work. UNIQLO, known for its minimalist designs and commitment to quality, provides a perfect canvas for this initiative. By incorporating iconic artworks into their clothing lines, UNIQLO and ARS have created a collection that resonates with both art enthusiasts and fashion aficionados. Here, we delve into ARS’s work with UNIQLO and some of the exceptional artists that have been featured.
1. Helen Frankenthaler: Frankenthaler’s contributions to the Color Field movement are monumental. Her revolutionary technique of pouring thinned paint onto raw canvas created ethereal washes of color that seemed to float on the surface. The UNIQLO collection, MoMA Art Icons, features her work Jacob’s Ladder (1957). The design of the shirt, with the reproduction displayed on the back of the white t-shirt, evokes the feel of a gallery wall, highlighting the scale and intricacy of Frankenthaler’s renowned work.
UNIQLO T-shirt, Helen Frankenthaler, Jacob’s Ladder, 1957 © 2024 Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
2. Alexander Calder: With his innovative mobiles and sculptures, Calder revolutionized the art world with their dynamic movement and balance. As part of the UNIQLO collection, Curated by Tate, Calder’s sculpture Antennae with Red and Blue Dots (c. 1953) is reimagined as a two-dimensional design. This adaptation still brilliantly showcases Calder’s playful use of color and form, allowing his kinetic art to be appreciated in a new, wearable format.
UNIQLO T-shirt, Alexander Calder, Antennae with Red and Blue Dots, c. 1953 © 2024 Calder Foundation, New York / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Calder® is a registered trademark of Calder Foundation, New York
3. Sol LeWitt: LeWitt’s geometric patterns and conceptual approach to art have made him a seminal figure in Minimalism. His wall drawings and structures are characterized by precision and simplicity. The UNIQLO collaboration incorporates LeWitt’s distinct aesthetic into fashion, with designs that emphasize clean lines and structured forms. These t-shirts offer a modern, minimalist look that appeals to those who appreciate the elegance of simplicity.
UNIQLO T-shirt, Sol LeWitt, Wall Drawing © 2024 The LeWitt Estate / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
4. Julian Opie: Defined by his distinctive style characterized by bold lines and flat colors, Opie has made him a standout in contemporary art. His depictions of figures and landscapes are both recognizable and abstract, blending elements of Pop Art with modern sensibilities. The UNIQLO collection, Peace for All, features a custom work by Opie that was inspired by the busy streets of Busan, South Korea. It captures his reflection on the essential role of everyday people in the functioning of the world. This work brings his vibrant, graphic style to a wider audience, creating clothing that is both artistic and approachable.
UNIQLO T-shirt, Julian Opie, Peace for All, 2023 © Julian Opie, courtesy Lisson Gallery / Barbara Krakow Gallery / ARS, New York / DACS, London
5. Josef Albers: Albers’ profound explorations of color theory and perception are epitomized by UNIQLO’s collaboration. Albers meticulously examined how colors interact, influencing how they are perceived. The UNIQLO collection draws from Albers’ work, showcasing his meticulous approach to color in designs that are both striking and educational. Wearing these pieces is a tribute to Albers’ enduring legacy in art education and theory.
UNIQLO T-shirt, Josef Albers, The Interaction of Color © The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, 2024
6. Jenny Holzer: The text-based works by Holzer challenge viewers to consider profound social and political issues. Her use of language as art transforms public spaces into platforms for dialogue. UNIQLO’s collaboration with Holzer brings her impactful messages to clothing, offering wearers a way to engage with art that provokes thought and discussion. These pieces serve as a reminder of the power of words and art’s role in societal reflection.
UNIQLO T-shirt, Jenny Holzer, Money Creates Taste © 2024 Jenny Holzer, member Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
UNIQLO, Francois Morellet, Various works © 2024 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris
7. Francois Morellet: UNIQLO’s artist series does not end with T-shirts. Working with the abstract artist Francois Morellet, UNIQLO created a collection of athleisure wear featuring leggings and hooded sweatshirts. Blending Morellet’s geometric patterns with functional design, the collection offers a unique twist on performance wear. The collection highlights vibrant prints and sleek lines that make a bold statement on the track or at the gym.
The ongoing collaboration between ARS and UNIQLO is a testament to the enduring relevance of great art. By bringing these artists into the realm of fashion, ARS and UNIQLO have created a bridge between the art world and everyday life. This partnership not only honors the legacies of these artists but also makes their work accessible to a new generation, fostering a deeper appreciation for art in all its forms. Join us in celebrating and promoting the arts by partnering with ARS for your next innovative project.
Check out our latest collaborations here and let us know what artist you would you like to see ARS and UNIQLO collaborate with next!
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