Bon Iver’s Artistic Collaboration with Pantone
The Colors of SABLE and SABLE, fABLE
Bon Iver’s latest releases, SABLE and SABLE, fABLE, feature two distinct Pantone colors on their covers: Black C and the newly named fABLE Salmon (formerly known as 1625 C). This partnership with Pantone marks a significant moment in the intersection of music and visual art.
Art Direction and Collaboration
Justin Vernon, the creative force behind Bon Iver, took a hands-on approach to the art direction of both projects. He collaborated with Minnesota-based painter Ruben Nusz and Miles Johnson, head of art and design at Secretly Group. This trio worked meticulously to align the visual representation of the albums with Vernon’s artistic vision.
Exploring Color and Language
Ruben Nusz shared his insights on the color selection process, stating, “It was fun dialing in the specific color to Justin’s vision.” He emphasized the intricate relationship between color and language, noting that our perception of color is influenced by cultural and linguistic contexts. As they refined the hue of the salmon, they navigated the delicate balance of temperature and tone, ensuring it remained true to its essence without leaning too heavily towards red, yellow, or orange. Nusz concluded that as they perfected the color, it began to embody the spirit of Bon Iver.
Art as Access and Perception
Miles Johnson added another layer to the discussion about cover art, highlighting its dual role. “There’s a lot of space in cover art that gives you access to a record, but it can also act as a barrier or alter your perception of the music,” he explained. Justin Vernon’s intent was to remove any visual distractions, allowing listeners to engage more deeply with the music itself.
Pantone’s Musical Partnerships
Pantone has a history of collaborating with musicians to create unique color identities that resonate with their artistry. Previous notable partnerships include Love Symbol #2 for Prince, Pink Noise by Laura Mvula, and Grateful Red and Stealie Blue for the Grateful Dead. Additionally, Charli XCX’s track Brat is associated with the green hue cataloged as Pantone 3507 C, further exemplifying Pantone’s influence in the music industry.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Bon Iver and Pantone showcases the profound connection between color and music. Through thoughtful art direction and a deep understanding of color theory, Justin Vernon, Ruben Nusz, and Miles Johnson have created a visual representation that enhances the listening experience of the albums. As the music world continues to evolve, such partnerships highlight the importance of artistic synergy in creating immersive experiences for audiences.
FAQs
What are the main Pantone colors used in Bon Iver’s album covers?
The main Pantone colors on the covers of SABLE and SABLE, fABLE are Black C and fABLE Salmon (formerly 1625 C).
Who was involved in the art direction of the albums?
Justin Vernon collaborated with painter Ruben Nusz and Miles Johnson, who is the head of art and design at Secretly Group, for the art direction of the albums.
What is the significance of the color fABLE Salmon?
fABLE Salmon represents a specific color developed to align with Justin Vernon’s artistic vision, emphasizing the relationship between color and language in art.
Has Pantone collaborated with other musicians in the past?
Yes, Pantone has partnered with various musicians, including Prince, Laura Mvula, and the Grateful Dead, to create unique colors that reflect their artistry.
