Andrew Kuo
NYC-based artist Andrew Kuo has made a career out of analyzing new music, concerts, NBA basketball games, and emotional hang-ups through obsessive info-graphics. His body of work represents the most subjective and stylish taxonomy I’ve ever seen. Whether it is his hangover or a Lil Wayne concert up for analysis, Kuo’s highly controlled graphs and charts read like nonsensical timelines. The “data” outline his train of thought, meaning he quantifies emotions that simply can’t be compared to anything. I referenced a color in one key only to discover that it signified “Eating microwaved food over the sink is pretty awesome life-trajectory wise.” Without a doubt this is a classification high in entertainment value. The pastel geometries are a love affair between Kuo’s diary and his sketchbook.
Quasi-quantifiable data aside, the combination of abbreviated social commentary and inherently commercial graphics is very appealing. Not only am I amused by Kuo’s remarks and impressed by the visual representation, but I desperately want the work printed on an American Apparel 50/50 t-shirt. And isn’t that the test of a good designer anyway? Calm down, I’m joking. Pie charts and humor are no longer mutually exclusive.