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Where do you find serenity in today’s messed-up world? In dreamy destinations? Buried in a book? With an Apple Music playlist blasting at a midnight house party? All could work, but I’d recommend checking out the placid work of artist Alex Katz, whose reductionist style makes his large-scale paintings objects of wonder. In hypersaturated hues, Katz’s calm portraits and depictions of tree-lined landscapes can take your stress level to zero in minutes. The hardest part about Katz’s work, however, was finding it; thanks to his widespread success, the artist’s pieces are typically found only in museums or private collections. Well, that’s all about to change: Alex Katz is H&M’s latest collaborator.
The Alex Katz H&M collection will feature his works on womenswear, menswear, accessories, and home décor. “The partnership with H&M surpassed my expectations. It is exciting for me to work with H&M to make my art more accessible to more people,” said the artist. This isn’t Katz’s first fashion rodeo, however. In 2015, the New York–born-and-bred artist designed windows for Barneys New York’s Madison Avenue location though a partnership with the Art Production Fund. As part of that project, a selection of housewares with his illustrations on them were sold in the store. Prior to that, Katz modeled for J.Crew’s catalog in 2009. H&M has a history with the arts, too, working with Jeff Koons in 2014 on a limited-edition bag including a picture of his famous Puppy Dog sculpture.
The full range of Alex Katz pieces will debut in H&M locations in the U.S. and on the brand’s website on December 1—just in time for holiday shoppers to get their fix of the artist’s tranquil works. As another wise (albeit fictional) New Yorker once said, “Serenity now.”