Tod’s taps prolific photographer Tim Walker for a dynamic partnership that champions artisanal skills.
The art of surrealism is taking everyday, unassuming objects and celebrating them in a subversive, ironic way. At least that is one aspect of the artistic movement that Tim Walker highlights for his latest partnership, “The Art of Craftsmanship – A Project by Tim Walker” with Tod’s. The renowned British photographer is the master of absurdity and escapism. His extensive works include high-profile celebrity portraitures of Tilda Swinton, Marion Cotillard and Timothée Chalamet, alongside his works in art, film and music. For “The Art of Craftsmanship”, Walker combines his fantastical flare with the label’s core values of Italian lifestyle and exceptional craftsmanship.
Walker takes inspiration from the value of skilled artistry in an “increasingly digital world, where machines create so much on an industrial scale”. Each image plays on scale and proportion as one shot sees male models stand atop a giant brush followed by a gargantuan tape measure engulfing one model while another pops up amidst a massive spool of thread with an equally big needle. These “tools” are created from 2D cut-out props. Each concept represents the steps Tod’s uses to create their handcrafted leather pieces — from shoes to bags — emphasising the meticulous craftsmanship behind the art. The visuals also highlight the interaction between art and the human body. We see an interior space designed to look like Tod’s signature shoe studs with holes revealing arms and legs. These dream-like creations result in a series of imaginative images introducing the photography style of surrealism and an appreciation of artisanal skill to a new generation with both an eye for detail and the purchasing power to back it up.
Tod’s highlights the artistic talent that makes the Italian label stand out from its contemporaries in a world that is moving towards technology-driven progression. These stunning images *were made available to the public in an exhibition at the Cavallerizze of the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo Da Vinci during this year’s Milan Design Week.
*Note: This article has been updated to reflect the conclusion of this year’s Milan Design Week.
Once you’re done with this story about Tod’s partnership with photographer Tim Walker, catch up with the rest of our May 2023 issue here.
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