Works by more than 20 artists from five continents make up the global art collection with which Visa is celebrating the emotions and stories that make football the world’s favorite sport. The initiative aims to highlight the unifying power of an international event like the World Cup, which will take place between June 11 and July 19 in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
The collection is part of Visa’s sponsorship of the World Cup and FIFA, a relationship that has spanned since 2007. It is made up of visual representations that reflect the way in which creators express the culture and tradition of their respective countries of origin to compose a universal story about the passion for football.
The initiative, as the company points out, is based on the idea that the same entrepreneurial spirit that drives small business owners also inspires artists. By commissioning illustrations, Visa gives creators the opportunity to showcase their work on one of the world’s biggest stages.
It was initially launched in December of last year with five inaugural pieces, created by artists Darien Birks, Nathan Walker, Cesar Canseco, Ivan Roque and Rafael Mayani, which were presented in an exhibition that took place in Miami called “The Art of the Draw.”
Now, less than a month before the World Cup starts, the company has shared the remaining pieces to accompany the imminent arrival of the sporting event. Creations are shared on a dedicated website and categorized by the artists’ continent of origin. They are accompanied by a brief description of the work of each collaborator, as well as a link to their Instagram profiles so that users can get more information or support them.
Among the artists are the Japanese Nori Okawa, the Moroccan Wiam Azhar, the British Dave Flanagan and the Spanish Alejandro Parrilla. Each piece in the collection presents a particular visual narrative, rooted in the artist’s life experience and inspired by football’s ability to unite cultures from around the globe.
“We are giving artists the opportunity to express themselves on a global stage through the World Cup” commented Frank Cooper III, Chief Marketing Officer of Visa, when presenting the initiative. “Artists help make the invisible visible, provoke new ways of thinking and unite us through the works they create.“.
Beyond visibility, Visa’s initiative also seeks to enhance the work, development and growth of collaborating artists. Thus, he has collaborated with Joopiter, the platform for purchasing exclusive and collectible items launched by Pharrell Williams, to bring his art to new audiences. “Together, Visa and JOOPITER share a commitment to supporting creators and providing them with a platform that transforms their artistic expression into a unique opportunity.“, the company said in a statement.
Visa believes that creators operate in saturated digital markets and that the collection can help amplify their voices and provide them with new opportunities. Thus, the initiative positions Visa as a brand committed to art and creators, while connecting creativity and commerce, highlighting its role in the digital payments territory.
