In February, cognac-maker Rémy Martin is sending five lucky winners to L.A. for the NBA All-Star weekend. The brand has partnered with the basketball organization and GQ for a social media campaign (on Instagram through the hashtag #RemyMVP) where participants submit style-focused photographs for the chance at the ultimate weekend courtside.
In anticipation of the All-Star weekend, last month during Art Basel in Miami Beach, Rémy Martin hosted the “MVP Experience Program” at the W South Beach, where Portland-based artist and graphic designer Matt W. Moore transformed the basketball court.
Courtesy of Rémy Martin.
To learn more about Moore’s bright, patterned design for the court in Miami, we spoke with the artist.
WHITEWALL: Tell us a bit about your design for the basketball court at the W South Beach for Rémy Martin’s “MVP Experience Program.”
MATT W. MOORE: The design for this basketball court was created by remixing branding elements and visual vocabulary that I developed in collaboration with Rémy Martin over the course of this past year for a special project that will launch in 2018.
Courtesy of Rémy Martin.
WW: What was your starting point? What did you want this to evoke?
MWM: The symmetry of the court and boundary lines were a lot of fun to play with. Naturally, it is crucial when designing for a playing court of field to stay accurate and clear with the grid. My first decision was to make the three-point lines continue and make a big over/under wave around center court and continue on the other end. Then the Centaur was integrated, and the spheres that are meant to feel like bunches of grapes on the vine.
Courtesy of Rémy Martin.
WW: What’s an average day in your studio like?
MWM: Every day is different and I am grateful for this variety of projects and opportunities. Some days I am working digitally on a computer, other days I am completely unplugged painting canvases or sculptures, and other times I am way up on a ladder doing in-situ murals. I live and work to the mantra “Range is conducive to growth.” I feel my strongest work is the result of cross-pollinating discoveries made in adjacent disciplines to arrive at a fresh idea.
Courtesy of Rémy Martin.
WW: You’ve worked with several brands in the past. What’s it like to collaborate with a luxury house like this?
MWM: Collaborating with brands is a pleasure. Some of my favorite work was the result of working as a team, developing and refining ideas as a group. Brand collaborations allow the artwork to reach a larger audience. And larger canvases, too! Seeing my design on this basketball court is a dream come true.
Courtesy of Rémy Martin.
Courtesy of Rémy Martin.
