Graffiti Artists Team Up with NFL on a Digital Canvas Like No Other
The Sphere in Las Vegas is a groundbreaking marvel of technology, featuring millions of LED pucks that form a breathtaking digital screen. Serving as both a concert venue and an immersive movie theater, the Sphere stands out as the world’s most sophisticated technological spectacle.
Commissioned by Beyond the Streets curator Roger Gastman for the Sphere’s XO/Art Series, we embarked on a creative journey to animate the works of three iconic graffiti artists on this awe-inspiring digital canvas. This project was in response to a special request by the NFL to create a series of ads for the Super Bowl. Our videos were showcased every hour for ten days leading up to the event, creating a mesmerizing tribute to both Las Vegas and football.
With a towering height of 366 feet and a diameter of 516 feet, the Sphere presented the ultimate challenge and opportunity. Its high-definition, ultra-bright display allowed us to bring the art of CES, Mister Cartoon, and Eric Haze to life in a way that had never been seen before, truly activating their works for a spectacular audience.
- Animation
- Art Direction
- Creative Direction
- Storyboard
CES.
Robert Provenzano, professionally known as CES, is a New York City master of 'wildstyle.' His streamlined, aerodynamic alphabetic reconfigurations have influenced generations worldwide. CES has an extensive studio practice and has exhibited his work globally. His humble personality, combined with unmatched creativity and passion, made our collaboration seamless. Incorporating his iconic train designs, we merged the Las Vegas skyline with his graffiti style while silhouettes of football players chased our hero, culminating in a touchdown and sparking a grand celebration.
Eric Haze.
In a parallel project for the XO/Art Series, we collaborated with the legendary New York artist and designer Eric Haze. Starting his career in the early '80s, Haze exhibited alongside icons like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. He founded his design studio in the late '80s and his clothing brand in the '90s, becoming a key figure in the hip hop and streetwear movements. Based in Brooklyn, Haze remains a sought-after creative in contemporary design and brand collaborations. Haze's iconic typography and symbols came to life on the Sphere's digital canvas. Using a dynamics plugin to simulate gravity, we transitioned the icons in and out of scenes for dynamic movement. While the abstract representation of game-plays filled the first half of the animation, Haze's hand-drawn typography announced the Super Bowl date.
Mister Cartoon.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mister CARTOON began his career as a graffiti artist before expanding into murals, album covers, logos, and, most famously, tattoos. CARTOON has garnered a worldwide following for his tattoo artistry, attracting a diverse and devoted fan base across various media. His work has led to highly acclaimed gallery appearances and art shows in London, Paris, Tokyo, and beyond, as well as collaborations with global brands. For this series, we asked CARTOON to merge his passion for football with thematic elements of gambling. The Sphere came alive with cards of queens and kings, while rolling dice transitioned into a celebrating band of skulls, paying homage to both LA and Vegas simultaneously.
credits.
- Agency
- R Rock Enterprises
- Directed by
- Ottoman Robot
- Art Direction
- CES, Eric Haze, Mister Cartoon
- Illustration
- CES, Eric Haze, Mister Cartoon
- Producer
- Roger Gastman
- Storyboard
- Ottoman Robot
- Animation
- Ottoman Robot
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