FriendsWithYou is a contemporary fine art collective that has been spreading their unifying message of Magic, Luck, and Friendship worldwide since their founding in 2002. Expanding their mission of connectivity and reawakening via their interactive artworks, the artists Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III call on the viewer to reinvent and reinterpret the lost meaning of spirituality. Using ideas like animism, healing arts, the modern ritual and celebrated symbols, FriendsWithYou addresses the human need to relate to one another. Together, the artists have constructed their own brand of post pop visual language a la Murakami, Arturo Herrera and Yayoi Kusama and have instilled in their work the powerful ability to trigger thoughts of happiness, curiosity, and meaningful interaction.
We Are FriendsWithYou is a brightly colored and comprehensive monograph that explores the journey of Sam & Tury, from their early handcrafted art objects to their recent works experimenting with animation, paintings, sculpture, public playgrounds, and published works. Originating at the crossroads of art, design, and popular culture, FriendsWithYou''s output is quite unique. By presenting a “superflat” standpoint on their creations and allowing all types of influences––film directors, writers, anime artists, as well as contemporary artists––they are revolutionizing the art world and widening the straightforward definitions of these disciplines. With contributions by Pharrell Williams, Alejandro Jodorowsky, and Peter Doroshenko, this book reveals never-before-seen insight into the complete body of work from the art duo responsible for spreading the self-proclaimed “happy-virus.”
Industry Reviews
"Although they have worked in many mediums—print, video, sculpture, and painting included...but, despite the simple title We are FriendsWithYou, don’t expect the retrospective volume to be flat. Once past the reflective shell, FriendsWithYou world unfolds through images of select project from their prolific 12-year history, accompanied by visual descriptions and personal essays by admirers like Pharrell Williams." -W Magazine
"In case you don't have the chance to see one of FWY's public works in the flesh, they've made the process of spiritual enlightenment through art all the easier by releasing a massive, shiny compendium of their work. It's called We Are FriendsWithYou, and, trust us, after flipping through its colorful pages, you really believe them. The addictive energy produced by FWY certainly jumps off the pages of their artistic archives...the effervescent pages activate a childish wonder we thought was long gone, revealing the surprisingly potent powers of smiley faces and rainbows." -Huffington Post
"Most Anticipated Art Book Releases of 2014. FriendsWithYou is a contemporary fine art collective that has been spreading their unifying message worldwide since their founding in 2002. Their aesthetic reflects the playful tastes of Murakami, Arturo Herrera, and Yayoi Kusama while they address these grander themes of spirituality and human connection. With contributions by Pharrell Williams, Alejandro Jodorowsky, and Peter Doroshenko, this book reveal insight into their joyful body of work." -Complex Magazine
"We Are FriendsWithYou, the freshly minted, whimsically potent, comprehensive monograph from co-conspirators Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, portrays the duo’s expansive work of paintings, sculptures, and massive installations over the last decade. Their mission? To spread the positive message of Magic, Luck, and Friendship,™ in an effort to stimulate new thoughts of happiness and meaningful interaction. Now there’s a proponent for change we can definitely get behind. Even the metallic cover makes us smile." -LA Canvas
“We Are FriendsWithYou is a playful and extensive monograph exploring the art collective’s owners Sam Tury through their artistic pathways…this book gives depth and a proper lens into the art duo’s complete body of work...” –Trendland.com
