As an art lover, you might know David Redon for his whimsical and thought-provoking pieces. If you don’t, allow me to introduce you to the Parisian art director who’s turning heads and sparking discussions by blending vintage American advertisements with contemporary pop culture icons. This captivating fusion of old and new is a testament to the fluid boundaries between art and consumerism and delivers an unexpected treat for art and pop culture enthusiasts alike.
David Redon’s innovative artwork reimagines classic ads by inserting modern-day celebrities who have made a significant impact on the music and entertainment industry. Picture Daft Punk, the Grammy-winning electronic music duo, donned in their signature helmets, dealing cards in a vintage ‘Get Lucky’ casino poster. Or visualize Michael Jackson, the King of Pop himself, as the face of a retro ad for a mosquito spray, his iconic song ‘Beat it!’ the poster’s slogan.
More than mere mashups, these creations cleverly reference each celebrity’s personality, image, or career highlights. One of the standout pieces features Rihanna and Drake, pop music’s on-again, off-again duo, appearing together in a retro beauty advertisement titled ‘Take Care’, a nod to their collaborative hit song. Amy Winehouse graces a ‘Back to Black’ coffee ad, while Pharrell’s infectious positivity illuminates a vintage ‘Happy’ toothpaste advertisement.
Redon’s project goes beyond creating visually engaging artwork. He tells Adweek, “I like the shift between vintage and modern pop culture because these days, the border between art and commercial is very small, and artists work their images like brands do.” Indeed, his work underscores the symbiotic relationship between art and advertising, each influencing and evolving alongside the other.
A typical ad takes Redon one to two hours to create, a meticulous process that involves selecting a fitting vintage ad, retouching it with the chosen artist, and occasionally modifying the layout or creating a new logo. The end results are as aesthetically pleasing as they are culturally insightful, offering a fresh perspective on how we perceive pop culture and its relation to art and advertising.
Through his inventive repurposing of vintage American ads, David Redon offers more than just a feast for the eyes; he invites us to consider the intersections of art, advertising, and popular culture, and how they shape our understanding of the world.
