This is the invitation for Wieden+Kennedy 12.7’s art show that opened yesterday on First Thursday.
This is how much I love it (arms open).

I accidentally stumbled upon some of the 12’ers late one evening in the studio putting together some elements for this piece, I had no idea they were going to pull off something this beautiful. I almost feel like I could just end the post right here. I can’t tear my eyes away. I find it equally surprising and beautiful.

One of the underlying themes of W+K 12 is Fail Harder, which can mean alot of things. But what it screams is that it’s important to take big enough risks that you might fail, and fail hard. Like a burning airplane over a lava field and no captain. Like losing everything. Fail Gloriously is this group’s first art show. And they killed it.

The group decided to ask all the former alumni of 12 to submit one piece for the show, and required that it be 12 x 12.” Then they waited for entries and arranged them in a single line around the W+K gallery space.

That copy!

This is beauty.

I’m not even in 12 and I don’t want this year’s group to ever end. I’m sure that feeling isn’t mutual, group dynamics are complex systems. It’s like when you get attached to reality TV people. I see them, but I’m not really involved. But they’re in my head, and this show pulled grey matter from the heads of all previous 12 years. So thoughtful, I love this idea and I’m still excited about it. Come check it out if you are in Portland, it’s open to the public until August 1. Bring a camera.