We Are FriendsWithYou

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.”