German manufacturer of writing instruments, watches and jewellery Montblanc has given its New Bond Street flagship boutique a refreshingly un-festive make-over, courtesy of Georgian, New York-based street artist David Paul Kay.
More often known for his distinctive black and white style, which can be seen on East Village sidewalks and Manhattan rooftops; Kay decided to experiment with colour for the occasion (his first London exhibit), in an ink developed with Montblanc. This installation marks his first project in colour.
Bold red lines of vibrant, red ink – referencing the (Montblanc M) RED pen, designed in collaboration with Marc Newson earlier this year – weave across the store’s white façade, forming an arresting vision on one of London’s most recognisable retail boulevards.
With its longstanding cultural awards programme, Montblanc is no stranger to enabling artistic engagement and development. Kay attributes a new phase in his oeuvre to the Montblanc collaboration, and likens his move away from monotone, to ‘adding violins to the orchestra’; where ‘painting in black and white was like playing the piano’.
Kick-starting the maison’s seasonal ‘whats on your list’ campaign, Montblanc has invited clients, guests and shoppers to write their wishes on Kay’s mural, adding a fourth dimension of interactivity to the work, thereby creating a live (and growing) piece of art that will remain until the end of December 2018. §