Okuda San Miguel is one of the most prominent contemporary muralists in the world and the first artist to team up with manufacturer Formica Group to create a limited-edition line of laminates.
The exclusive designs by the muralist offer a new type of collaboration between art, design and architecture. The collection is called Formica Younique® x Okuda San Miguel and the panels are intended to be the first of many artist collaborations to come.
With more than 20 years of experience, Okuda’s work can be found in the public spaces of 80 cities, spanning more than 30 countries. His unique iconographic language, using geometric structures and multi-colored patterns has seen him become one of today’s most acclaimed artists.
Formica Group and Okuda San Miguel collaborated on two healthcare projects in Madrid last year, both of which demonstrate the transformative power art can have on children and teenagers when recovering in hospital.
Using Okuda’s vision, standard, monochromatic hospital rooms were converted into spaces full of colour, positive energy and optimism. It was this success that influenced the decision to create the line of laminate panels with Okuda’s distinctive artistry.
Okuda comments: ‘It was exciting developing the panels, particularly when considering their implication to architectural transformations. I hope the new panels bring the same positivity and energy to the spaces they’re applied to as they did to the hospital projects.’ The Okuda panels are available in four exclusive patterns and three sizes (small, medium and large) which can be adapted to any interior or exterior project, ranging from small-to-large scale application. Designs are also available; these are for interior application only and Okuda can be consulted free of charge to discuss the project.
The partnership between Formica Group and Okuda is a unique opportunity to collaborate with an artist to make use of spaces and create truly bespoke projects. The Younique® by Formica Group laminate service was used to bring Okuda’s designs to life. The service allows you to create your own pattern or design, or to capture photography or corporate logo in Formica® High Pressure Laminate. The collection is available until September 2019.
The material
Formica® laminate is the ‘original’, with over 100 years of design and product innovation and manufacturing experience. Durable, easy to clean and resistant to impact, heat and scratches, Formica laminate requires minimal maintenance. Resistant to humidity, it can be also steam cleaned or disinfected with no adverse effects. Typical applications include wall panelling, doors, cubicles, furniture, counter tops and more.
Products include Formica® High Pressure Laminate (HPL), Formica® Compact with its solid laminate core, ColorCore® solid through colour laminate, DecoMetal® incorporating real metal foils, Formica Ligna® reconstituted real wood veneer laminate and specialist Younique® by Formica Group digital and screen print service. For surfacing with anti-fingerprint and anti-marking properties there is Formica Infiniti™ and for exterior applications VIVIX® architectural panels by Formica Group has been introduced.
Formica® Laminate and DecoMetal products are GREENGUARD certified; the premier mark for low-emitting products. All of Formica Group’s European manufacturing sites and distribution centres received accreditation by the internationally-recognised Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified laminates from leading accreditation body, BM TRADA. Formica HPL, Compact Laminate and Bonded Worktops carry the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Reduction Label.
For more information contact [email protected]