Global fashion lifestyle brand Calvin Klein and cultural and lifestyle platform Hypebeast have launched a series of images and videos that follow the journey of four emerging artists as they create unique art installations that pay homage to the iconic CK monogram.

The films document the artists’ process as they design the CK logo through their own creative lens, from paint spraying and airbrushing to graphic projections. The films were shot by director Nakaash in a minimalist warehouse, where he brought together the four different worlds of the artists. The films will be screened on ck.com and hypebeast.com starting August 10, 2022.

For more than 30 years, Calvin Klein’s Monogram tee collection has been a minimalist, yet statement garment. The four artists have transformed the iconic logo into larger-than-life works of art that convey their original style, vision, individuality and identity, reaching new audiences.

ALFIE KUNGU
@alfie.kungu

British painter Alfie Kungu draws on childhood cartoons and makes extensive use of color. Shades mix and collide as patterns and silhouettes emerge, resulting in different interpretations from viewer to viewer. Playful on an almost fundamental level, he is able to create textures and patterns that effortlessly combine the contemporary with the nostalgic.

“It’s always interesting to work with something that’s already there, because you have to respond to the forms and be aware of how you experience the space,” he says. The “C” obviously has a lot of flow and the “K” is a strong rigid structure, so I started with the largest, simple, curved shape. By working with such a large scale, you can be much more expressive with your movement and your marks.”

MAÏTÉ MARQUE
@maitemarque_

Paris-based graphic designer and digital artist Maïté Marque’s work is a vibrant mix of fashion illustration, surrealism and Japanese animation. The uncompromising, sophisticated style of her hometown underlies all of her art, which comes out proudly in the chic, abstract characters she creates.

“Reinventing the CK monogram was such an interesting experience because it is such a well-known logo. I find it very interesting to give something iconic and simple a twist of its own. The typography of the CK logo is very sharp and to add street style to it was so much fun.”

RAFAELLA BRAGA
@rafaellabraga

Brazilian-born Rafaella Braga’s work is a collision of uninhibited self-expression, ritualism and carefully controlled chaos. She draws inspiration from the street art culture of South America and describes her paintings as a portal that allows her to be her true self. She works out of Berlin and New York City.

“I approach a blank canvas with a mind full of ideas. Usually I am not so afraid of a blank canvas, because I see it as a door that opens to many possibilities. It is a place where I can be what I want to be.”

REDIET LONGO
@thenewolder

In his youth, Rediet (or Red to his friends) turned to Milan’s graffiti scene as an outlet for rebellion. This grew into a passion with which he now creates art in cities around the world. His work is bold and distinctive, combining a range of inspirations such as African art, his Ethiopian heritage and contemporary street fashion.

“When I accepted my identity, which is both African and Italian, I merged these two identities into a name that is RED – a color that has no racial basis, unlike white or black. I communicate my art through a style that is distinctly African tribal, to pay homage to my origins by merging it with my Western roots.”