Writer/artist Douglas Coupland has put a visual, tactile and a very creative spin on a topic that sometimes wanders into the realm of the abstract and the surreal when discussed in public forums. That topic is fear and apprehension about the state of our economy and the bleak prospects prognosticated by pundits of all persuasion.
Coupland has come up with two art projects titled Safety Blanket #1 and Safety Blanket #2. Each carefully woven blanket is covered in corporate America's favorite logos. Who needs a stimulus package when you can snuggle up to Quaker State, Apple, and GE?
As socio-political commentary, I think Coupland's blankets are a fine example of thinking outside the proverbial box.
Logo-Branded Blankets 2
Corporate Security Blankets
Trend Themes
1. Corporate Branded Merchandise - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new ways to incorporate corporate logos into everyday products.
2. Visual and Tactile Marketing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create multi-sensory marketing experiences by incorporating touch and sight in promotional materials.
3. Art as Socio-political Commentary - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Use art and creative expression to convey complex social and political issues in unconventional ways.
Industry Implications
1. Branding and Promotional Products - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop unique and attention-grabbing merchandise options for corporate branding purposes.
2. Marketing and Advertising - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore innovative approaches to engage consumers through multi-sensory marketing campaigns.
3. Art and Creative Industries - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Harness the power of art to initiate conversations and provoke thought on social and political issues.