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Mike Perry for O.N.S Creative Lab: Thanks For Looking

Mike Perry loves swimming. O.N.S didn’t know that when it tapped the former Midwesterner to design a summer swimwear capsule, but viewing the product, it shows. The Mike Perry for O.N.S collection is covered in aquatic wiggles, drops of water, tubes and pipes, and fluid characters that are half plant, half person, all rendered in the artist’s signature ultra-bright, energetic style. And though Perry has seen plenty of success during his career, animating the show openings for Comedy Central’s Broad City, publishing a number of books, and working with international icons like Coca-Cola and Comme des Garçons, he remains humble, appreciative, and excited to share with his audience. Those characteristics also appear in his capsule for O.N.S, which features “Thanks For Looking” as its underlying theme. Taking all of that into consideration, O.N.S relished the chance to sit down with Mike to discuss our collaboration, his relationship with the ocean, and how the “meaning” of his work is ultimately up to the viewer.

Can you describe the underlying “Mike Perry” philosophy and how you incorporated it into this O.N.S collection?

I believe in the power & truth of sharing with the world. A swim collection is already aligned with my love of water, the color blue, “wiggly” patterns, & people having fun.

 The O.N.S x Mike Perry collection theme is titled “Thanks for Looking,” which nicely encapsulates your continuing gratitude in the face of some pretty amazing success. Do you think about that consciously in terms of your career? Or is that part of your general attitude in life?

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to spend my day doing & dreaming. I also love people! I create for myself and for anyone else interested in the idea of diving head first into the universe we are building. So, like any relationship, there is a shared responsibility: I need you & you need me.

As a swimwear collection, “Thanks for Looking” has a lot of aquatic colors and “beachy” vibes. Do you like swimming or going to the beach yourself?

Yeah, I really enjoy swimming. I was born in the landlocked Midwest so I did not see the ocean until I was 15. I’m still working on my kinship with the ocean, actively working…

 Your work is often described as fun, but if you look at it a little longer, there are always some pretty intellectual allusions to art history and classic design principals, as well as a message of positivity, self-reliance, and achievement. How do you balance those aspects of your work, pleasing the people who might just want the “fun” aspects, while alluding to those more serious, almost inspirational parts of it?

I honestly don’t think about it. Once I make something and it is out there in the world, it is free to become whatever it may be. The “viewer” will come to it within his or her own unique moment and that is what will determine how any piece is interpreted. That being said, taking the time to give something a second look will no doubt lead to new & deeper discoveries.

The Mike Perry Studio is pretty infamous as a place for creativity and community: do you see the intertwining of those things as key to your work? Yes, absolutely! In this life, we all need each other. This is not a solo show.

Lastly, do you have a favorite item from this collection?

That crazy Hawaiian button-up!

See the Mike Perry for O.N.S Campaign here.

Shop the Entire Mike Perry for O.N.S Collection here.

 

 

 


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