In 2021, Italian artist Fidia Falaschetti and Norwegian street artist Martin Whatson joined forces to create Apple Care, a sculpture that merges pop culture imagery with graffiti aesthetics. The piece critiques consumerism and explores the intersection of technology, brand identity, and artistic expression. Standing at just over 12 inches tall, Apple Care is a powerful commentary on modern society’s reliance on technology and its idolization of iconic brands. This article delves into the creation, symbolism, and reception of Apple Care, highlighting the collaboration between two artists with distinct yet complementary styles.

The Artists Behind Apple Care

Fidia Falaschetti

Born in 1977 in Italy, Fidia Falaschetti is renowned for his satirical sculptures that examine modern societal values, particularly those shaped by technology and consumer culture. His work often incorporates well-known symbols or characters, reinterpreted to reflect contemporary issues. Falaschetti’s art bridges the gap between pop culture and high art, drawing on influences ranging from classic Italian sculpture to the vibrant language of advertising.

Martin Whatson

Martin Whatson, born in 1984 in Norway, is a street artist celebrated for his stencil-based works that juxtapose monochromatic imagery with vibrant graffiti elements. His pieces explore themes of decay, beauty, and the tension between order and chaos. Whatson’s art is rooted in urban landscapes, using spray paint and stencils to create works that resonate with both the public and the fine art community.

Why Their Collaboration Works

The partnership between Falaschetti and Whatson brought together two complementary perspectives. Falaschetti’s focus on consumerism and technology aligned with Whatson’s ability to infuse urban energy into traditional forms. Together, they created a sculpture that encapsulates their shared vision while highlighting their unique approaches to art.

The Creation of Apple Care

A Symbol of Technology and Consumerism

At the heart of Apple Care is the apple, a symbol deeply embedded in modern culture. While it historically evokes ideas of temptation and knowledge (as seen in the biblical story of Adam and Eve), the apple in this sculpture unmistakably references the technology giant Apple Inc. By choosing this symbol, Falaschetti and Whatson directly critique society’s reverence for technology and the near-religious loyalty many have to consumer brands.

The Design

The sculpture, crafted from spray paint, ink, metal, and resin, features a stylized apple adorned with graffiti-inspired markings. The clean, minimalistic design of the apple is disrupted by vibrant colors and chaotic graffiti motifs, a signature of Whatson’s style. This juxtaposition mirrors the tension between the polished image of corporate brands and the raw, untamed creativity of street art.

Materials and Techniques

•Spray Paint and Ink: Reflecting Whatson’s urban roots, the use of spray paint and ink emphasizes the rebellious and spontaneous nature of graffiti culture.

•Metal and Resin: These materials lend the sculpture durability and a sense of permanence, contrasting with the ephemeral nature of graffiti art.

Themes Explored in Apple Care

1. The Commodification of Art

Apple Care critiques the way art is often reduced to a commodity, much like the technology products it references. By transforming the apple—a symbol of mass production—into a unique sculpture, the artists highlight the tension between individuality and conformity in contemporary culture.

2. Brand Worship

The sculpture underscores society’s obsession with brands, particularly technology companies like Apple. It invites viewers to question their own relationships with consumer goods and the influence of marketing on their identities.

3. Graffiti vs. Corporate Aesthetics

The contrast between the clean lines of the apple and the chaotic graffiti represents the clash between corporate branding and street art. While corporations aim for polished, uniform imagery, graffiti embodies rebellion, creativity, and individual expression.

Reception and Cultural Impact

Exhibition History

Apple Care has been displayed in prominent galleries, including Mazel Galerie, which regularly features works by both Falaschetti and Whatson. The sculpture has garnered attention for its ability to provoke conversation about the intersection of art, commerce, and technology.

Critical Acclaim

Critics have praised Apple Care for its layered symbolism and the seamless integration of the two artists’ styles. The sculpture’s ability to balance visual appeal with social commentary has made it a standout piece in both artists’ portfolios.

Audience Reactions

Viewers have responded enthusiastically to the piece, particularly its playful yet incisive critique of consumer culture. Many have noted how the sculpture encourages them to reconsider their own reliance on technology and the influence of brands on their daily lives.

The Legacy of Apple Care

A Blueprint for Future Collaborations

The success of Apple Care has set a precedent for future collaborations between artists from different disciplines. By blending street art with sculptural forms, Falaschetti and Whatson have expanded the possibilities of contemporary art.

Influence on Pop Culture

As a piece that bridges high art and pop culture, Apple Care resonates with a wide audience. Its commentary on consumerism and technology makes it particularly relevant in today’s digital age, ensuring its lasting significance.

Educational Value

The sculpture has also become a valuable tool for discussing topics like consumer behavior, the role of brands in shaping identity, and the evolving definition of art in the 21st century.

Why Apple Care Matters

Apple Care by Fidia Falaschetti and Martin Whatson is more than just a sculpture—it’s a conversation starter. By reimagining a ubiquitous symbol of technology through the lens of graffiti and pop art, the piece challenges viewers to think critically about the world around them. Its ability to merge aesthetics with social commentary ensures its place as a landmark work in contemporary art.

As society continues to grapple with questions about consumerism, technology, and identity, pieces like Apple Care serve as important reminders of art’s power to inspire reflection and change. For Falaschetti and Whatson, the collaboration is a testament to the potential of art to transcend boundaries and spark dialogue in a rapidly evolving world.

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