Picasso said “Good artists borrow but great artists steal”. Here, Ruff Mercy enlightens Kate on how his life-long love for hip-hop impacted his approach to sampling other artists’ work. They talk about music as the greatest inspiration, the risks of imitation and how he came to create his unique marriage of drawing with live footage We’re delighted to help bring so many intoxicating interpretations of the Gorillaz into one tome,” Z2 Comics Publisher Joshua Frankel added in a statement. “ The Gorillaz Art Bookembraces the vibrant collaboration that Jamie and Damon introduced more than two decades ago and extends it to an amazing community of transgressive artists. The results speak for themselves.” To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Gorillaz’ self-titled debut album, Gorillaz co-creator and artist Jamie Hewlett has enlisted more than 40 artists to share reimagined versions of the virtual band.

Gorillaz - The Gorillaz Art Book - (Hardback) | Rough Trade

In this episode, Jamie reveals the importance of experimentation and role of Gorillaz fans in his creative process. Kate questions Jamie on the conception of the Gorillaz Art Book, how artists can come together in an isolated world and what is next for the band. From Renoir to Marvel, Grandmas and Heavy Metal, in this episode Kate talks to Vanessa about her process and her influences. They discuss why Vanessa resonates with Noodle and delve into what lies in the shadows of her gritty, noir sequential artwork. Kate talks with Holly Warburton about her depiction of Cyborg Noodle’s epic journey from the depths of an underwater world to the surface. Holly talks of the role of animation in her illustrations and the art of painting digitally. Gorillaz have always collaborated with music but this is the first time we’ve done an art collaboration,” Hewlett said in a statement. “I’ve really enjoyed working with so many of my favorite artists and the result is this amazing book.”While comic book fans are likely more familiar with many of the participating artists, one especially of note is Del the Funky Homosapien, who previously appeared on the group’s hit “Clint Eastwood.”

The Gorillaz Art Book Announced, Features - Pitchfork

Soon, we’ll also be treated to a feature-length take on the Gorillaz universe, according to creator Damon Albarn. The musician confirmed that he’s working on a Studio Ghibli-esque project with Netflix in a November interview, saying: “It’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a very long time. It’s been through so many incarnations…”

Last month, the group also announced an expansive Gorillaz reissue, with the box set featuring demos, live recordings, B-sides, and more artwork from Hewlett. Gorillaz have always collaborated with music, but this is the first time we’ve done an art collaboration,” says Hewlett in a statement on the anniversary project. “I’ve really enjoyed working with so many of my favorite artists and the result is this amazing book.”