In the world of brand collaborations, few initiatives have blended art and everyday life as seamlessly as the illy Art Collection. Since 1992, this innovative project has transformed the simple act of sipping coffee into an encounter with contemporary art.
Imagine holding a masterpiece in your hands while enjoying your morning espresso. That's the essence of the illy Art Collection. It all began when illy, the renowned Italian coffee company, invited a group of artists to express their creativity on the surface of a coffee cup designed by Matteo Thun. This simple yet brilliant idea turned an everyday object into a blank canvas, ready to be adorned by some of the world's most talented artists.
Over the past three decades, the illy Art Collection has featured works by 128 artists of international fame. The roster reads like a who's who of the art world, including names like Jeff Koons, Marina Abramović, and Yoko Ono. But it's not just about the established maestros. illy has also provided a platform for emerging talents, ensuring a diverse and dynamic collection that spans generations and styles.
Each cup in the illy Art Collection is more than just a vessel for coffee; it's a small-scale artwork, a collector's item, and a conversation starter. These cups have graced kitchen cabinets, office desks, and gallery shelves alike, bringing a touch of high art into everyday spaces.
As the illy Art Collection celebrates over 30 years of existence, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of artistic collaboration. It has not only elevated the illy brand but has also challenged our perceptions of where art can exist and thrive.
The next time you're in a café and spot an unusually artistic espresso cup, take a closer look. You might just be holding a piece of the illy Art Collection. And as you sip your coffee, remember that you're part of a unique experience where art and daily life blend as seamlessly as milk in your latte.
The illy Art Collection reminds us that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places - even at the bottom of your coffee cup. It invites us to pause, appreciate, and perhaps see the world a little differently with each sip. Now that's what we call a truly eye-opening cup of coffee!
As pioneers in art and culture licensing, ARTiSTORY has forged relationships with some of the world's most prestigious artist foundations, museums and cultural organizations, including the Frida Kahlo Foundation, Salvador Dali Foundation, Centre Pompidou, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
We’ve worked with international hotel chains on various art inspired afternoon tea programs, such as the St Regis and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, just to name a few. Through these connections, ARTiSTORY facilitates groundbreaking collaborations that bridge the gap between timeless cultural treasures and contemporary brand needs. Our expertise enables the creation of products that are not only visually appealing but also rich in history and meaning, offering consumers a unique connection to our shared cultural heritage.
