Want to kick poker night to the next level? A card company collaborated with Whitney to launch an artist-designed deck

2021-11-25 06:15:31 By : Ms. Niki Feng

The first deck was designed by Shantell Martin and sold for only $10.

If you like poker or blackjack games with a little talent, then you will get a kind of enjoyment.

Professional playing card designer Theory 11 collaborated with the Whitney Museum of American Art to produce a series of playing cards designed by famous artists.

The first product will be released on May 3 and will be conceived by art star Shantell Martin (she also recently redesigned the Whitney Gift Shop with her iconic whimsical black and white pattern).

"We are constantly pushing ourselves to do things differently," Jonathan Bayme, the founder and CEO of Theory 11, told Artnet News. "We want the fans of Theory 11 to know that every deck is new and different. This leads us to do this."

Shantell Martin playing cards. Image courtesy of the artist, Theory 11 and Whitney Museum.

Theory 11 began designing cards for Magicians in 2007, but worked with all brands from Star Wars to Marvel comics to James Bond movies—and the careful attention to high-quality letterpress printing and detailed design—and quickly moved the cards Become a sought-after collectible.

"We are proud of the unreasonable efforts made to make playing cards. For example, on the Star Wars deck, it took us weeks to get the lightsaber tilted at the exact angle," Bem said.

The response was very strong.

"I will associate it with sneaker culture. Collectors put the entire wall of their house in these card decks," he said.

Martin's fans will definitely recognize her designs, which have been highlighted with some colors. For example, Jack of Hearts is surrounded by a bunch of letters spelling "Joy" and "Helper."

"Martin often explores topics such as intersectionality, identity and games," Whitney said in a statement. "In her deck design, Martin generously provided fully customized artwork on each card, box, joker, and sticker seal, accompanied by personal notes about her own card experience. The result is an intimate The happy collection is available in two colors."

Shantell Martin playing cards. Image courtesy of the artist, Theory 11 and Whitney Museum.

"This is an interesting, novel, and creative canvas that she has never tried before," Bem said. "We have to work side by side with her and borrow some of our printing expertise."

Interested buyers will be pleased with the price of the deck: on theory11.com, a set of two, each for $9.95, is very affordable. The deck can also be purchased separately at the Whitney store.

"We want to encourage people to play with them and use them. If they spill things on it, they can buy another deck," Beme said. As we all know, some loyal collectors will buy two sets of cards-"one set for playing, the other sealed with cellophane."

The Shantell Martin deck will go on sale online at 3pm on May 3 at the Whitney Gift Shop and Theory 11's website.

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