Kristjana x Coldplay
In 2017, Kristjana was commissioned by legendary British band, Coldplay, to design the album artwork for 'A Head Full of Dreams: Live in Buenos Aires and Live in Sao Paulo', an exhilarating live album recorded at the end of the band's record breaking tour, featuring much of their most memorable music.
Kristjana's iconographic cover design reflects the weaving together of many emblematic visuals from the band’s 20 year history.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be involved with such incredible musicians" says Kristjana. "There is so much for me to draw on stylistically, from Coldplay's previous unforgettable album covers, to their videos and personal interviews.’
Original iconography
As well as an abundance of the unique and original re-imagined animals that are intrinsic to Kristjana's style, the artwork features recognisable Coldplay iconography – from the Flower of Life image from 'A Head Full of Dreams', to the digitally rendered face from 'A Rush of Blood to the Head'. These are woven together with motifs from the band’s history, including a street sign from 268 Camden Road, the flat where Coldplay had their first rehearsal, and an image of Chris with a vodka and cranberry, the drink he turns to when he’s not happy with something he’s done!
In the centre of the butterfly is the piano the band always take on tour, and the butterfly itself represents Asia, Europe and the Americas.
The monkeys, which are a recurrent theme in Kristjana's work and also feature in Coldplay’s 'Adventures of a Lifetime' video, represent the band, with Jonny and Will on the right and Chris and Guy on the left.
A documentary about Coldplay's 20 year career, filmed by acclaimed director Mat Whitecross, was also created to mark the album launch.
Artwork inspired by Coldplay
Inspired by the collaboration, Kristjana created two stunning butterfly artworks, available to order as Limited Edition prints. The Explorer Butterfly artwork depicts a butterfly shaped magical creature, in a flamboyant palette of coral reds and muted orange. Yellow, piercing cat eyes stare out at you from the white back ground. The Voyager Butterfly reveals animalia camouflaged amongst the muted russet, grey and blue of the wings, making the pop of yellow eyeballs all the more alluring. These pieces are particularly eye catching when hung as a pair.
The Explorer Butterfly - Art Print
The Voyager Butterfly - Art Print