CONTINUING its tradition of collaborating with artists, the official coffee partner of Frieze London, illy, has unveiled its 127th illy Art Collection with Lee Ufan.
The Korean multi-hyphenate painter and sculptor who is famed for his unconventional processes that unite spatial and temporal conditions with his pieces has brought his vision to reimagine the coffee brand’s iconic Matteo Thun espresso cups.
Lee Ufan x illy Art Collection
Contemporary art has become an important pillar of illy’s modern vision as they believe it combines the culture and aesthetic of coffee with a higher social and intellectual value. So, having invited 126 individuals to put their spin on their mugs, from the likes of Ai Wei Wei and Jeff Koons to Emilio Pucci and Yoko Ono, it is now Ufan’s turn.
Lee Ufan x illy Art Collection
Having pioneered the Mono-Ha movement in the 60s that repurposed everyday objects into art and used them as a canvas, the new illy Art Collection is titled The Art of Encounter. Directly aligning with his approach to his pieces, the cups are a delicate blend of his bold vision and the richness of espressos.
by Imogen Clark
illycaffé will be at Frieze London from 11 to 15 October 2023, serving a variety of beverages for guests to enjoy as they discover the new Lee Ufan x illy Art Collection.