For decades, IKEA has been dedicated to helping its consumers all around the globe create chick interiors. But sometimes it also steppes out of ‘the home zone’ and teams up with art representatives to introduce hilarious art exhibitions and projects, rooting in or revolving around furniture design—last year, the brand ‘planted’ a ‘Surrealistika’ tree and launched the ‘Garderob’ initiative, inviting clothing designers to showcase their collection in wardrobe mini-shops. Today, August 18, the internationally renowned Swedish retailer is launching the exhibitIKEA in Toronto—the project is developed in collaboration with leading women’s fashion designer David Dixon, celebrated fashion & design photographer George Whiteside, acclaimed sculptor Bruno Billio and Thrush Holmes, popular artist, painter & owner of Thrush Holmes Empire. The exhibit features a number of vivid and vibrant pieces inspired by the IKEA styles and products.

Photo: George Whiteside

The exhibition, which will be open from August 18 until August 21, represents the creative thinking of the artists, who reimagined IKEA’s offerings to develop new, unparalleled works. For instance, George Whiteside used IKEA’s frames to display the photos from his ‘Morandi Notes’ series of stills, Bruno Billio presents an impressive high installation made of black and white IKEA chairs, David Dixon took IKEA textiles to design womenswear, and Thrush Holmes built a little house, decorated with neon strings, using the retailer’s products. All of the artists have their own story of how IKEA became part of their life and contributed to their creative outlook. “Opportunities to enrich the imagination of a major brand through real artistic intervention do not come often. When called to duty to assert oneself on this scale by way of cultural stimulation, one must oblige,” Holmes commented.

The exhibition will be also covered on IKEA Canada Facebook page, which starting today will feature a complete video tour as well as photos showcasing the all the pieces of exhibitIKEA. “It came as a pleasant surprise that artists of this caliber were willing to partner with us on this project. We recognize that the creative community, as well as our customers, often use our products as the foundation for customizing personalized design. We felt this exhibit was a great way of celebrating this creative expression,” commented Madeleine Löwenborg-Frick, Public Relations Manager, IKEA Canada.

Photo: Bruno Billio

Photo: David Dixon

Photo: Thrush Holmes