Famous Logos Get Surrealist Redesigns, Walking Down 100 Years Of Rule-Bending

By Mikelle Leow, 25 Jun 2024

Artwork by Yeh (left) and Fredrick Richard (right) for 99designs by Vista, featured with permission

A century ago, Surrealism burst onto the scene, shaking up the art world with its uncanny ability to bend reality. Dipping its paintbrush into this milestone, 99designs by Vista has tapped freelance designers from 17 countries to give an unpredictable twist to some of today’s most recognizable brands.

Surrealism isn’t just about melting clocks and dreamlike landscapes. At its core, it challenges us to view the world from unexpected angles.

Despite its origins in the post-war, post-pandemic upheaval of the 1920s, Surrealism still holds a mirror to modern-day turbulent times, proving its enduring relevance. Today’s world continues to echo the chaotic environment that birthed the medium. As artificial intelligence and polarizing ideas promise to further disrupt lives, the concept emerges as a fitting style to navigate and depict our complex and often bizarre social realities.

Apple logo concept by yuyunArts inspired by MC Escher for 99designs by Vista, featured with permission

“In a time of digital saturation and (mis)information overload, this project shows how Surrealism’s push for authentic expression and escape from the status quo remains profoundly relevant for designers and communities around the world,” explains Patrick Llewellyn, CEO of the graphic design freelancer platform.

These branding experiments, commemorating 100 years of the art movement, validate how Surrealism remains a powerful tool for examining contemporary social issues, offering fresh, often provocative perspectives for the quest for deeper truths. View them below, and find out more about the project here.

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Inspired by René Magritte