Winter Wonderland

A s the chosen illustrator for Sotheby’s Luxury Week, the British collagist has produced an idiosyncratic artwork that celebrates this winter’s theme of mystery and wonder. Using his signature technique of digitally rendered juxtapositions and dream-like visuals, the composition shows a number of sale items as having slipped into a parallel universe where mythology and futurism collide.

“The objects obviously had to work well photogenically but I also wanted them to reflect the democracy of the sales which feature modern artefacts such as sneakers and handbags, along with high-end jewellery and prestige watches,” says the multimedia artist, who has created campaigns for prestige brands such as Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari, Hermès and Kenzo, editorial projects for Vogue Japan, and V Magazine, and album covers for the likes of Prince, Beck, Goldfrapp and Basement Jaxx.

Having taken place so far in Geneva, and continuing in New York in December, the auction series is dedicated to items that demonstrate an extraordinary investment in time, design development and outstanding artistry. Featured throughout are objects that ignite the imagination through innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. Among the highlights is a very rare Patek Philippe world time minute repeater watch with an enamel dial showing the Manhattan skyline, an iconic Harry Winston emerald and diamond bracelet, a Mauboussin sapphire and diamond pendant-brooch and a pair of Kanye West × Louis Vuitton “Jasper” trainers. In Maitland’s collage, one of these pink-soled shoes can be seen leaning against a Greek column, like a modern monolith rising towards new realms of exclusivity.

As Maitland says: “Luxury used to be much more niche and inward looking, dictated by certain tastemakers. Now it’s thankfully more open and fluid, in sync with our changing times.”

Sotheby’s Luxury Week will take place in New York from 30 November–8 December.

Cover image: Mat Maitland × Sotheby’s Luxury Week. Collage: Mat Maitland