Chapter and Versus
The concept of rivalry is eternal. East versus West, Fame versus Fortune… rivalry is inherent to the human nature, pushing us forward to achieve more. Hublot decided that it was, well, time to give that concept a new spin with its Fame vs Fortune collaboration with street artists Tristan Eaton and Hush.
More than just a design commentary on the two concepts, the collaboration also goes deeper as a continuation of America’s East Coast and West Coast rivalry. Using Hublot watches as their canvas, the pieces by Eaton and Hush form part of the watchmaker’s ongoing ‘Hublot Loves Art’ campaign.
Representing the West Coast – and the fame that characterises Hollywood – Hush’s Spirit of Big Bang West Coast Ceramic Black and White bears a multi-coloured depiction of a woman on the case back. That art, however, is hidden beneath a monochromatic front that features a skeletonised ‘Aerofusion’ dial ringed by a white ceramic bezel. Inspired by Hush’s graffiti that decorates Los Angeles neighbourhoods, the woman (eagle eye observers will note she is based on Marilyn Monroe) is depicted in black-and-white with her eyes covered, surrounded by lurid, flashy and tempting lights – a not-so-subtle comment on fame.
On the other of America, the East Coast represents Fortune, the pursuit of which powers Wall Street. Tristan Eaton has chosen to feature brushed bronze and polished gold-plated appliques in his Classic Fusion Bronze. Gold and bronze are the colour of wealth, found in the Charging Bull sculpture that symbolises New York City’s Financial District. The bull, along with a money symbol, stock market charts and Wall Street signboard, appear on the caseback, a jarring mish-mash of themes and colours reminiscent of Eaton’s eye-catching murals.
The limited edition art timepiece concept comes as an inseparable pair, touring the USA in a series of events.
