The harmony of art and music
Intrinsically linked, art and music are both powerful forms of artistic expression that provoke us to contemplate new ideas and feelings, relive fond memories and express ourselves freely. It’s no wonder that many musicians turn to art, and vice versa, to find new inspiration.
Unfolding in time, art and music work in harmony to inspire and elevate one another. Some artists, like innovative landscape artist Richard Rowan, paint to a soundtrack to create a cinematic, multisensory experience for the viewer. Others, including ‘godfather of street art’ Ron English, create album artwork that will shape and influence an individual’s experience of the music, becoming one of the most memorable parts of a favourite album.
Like art, music speaks to different people in different ways. Here we explore how the world of music influences contemporary artists.
Featured Art: ‘Call Of The Wild’ by Richard Rowan and ‘Punk Skunk Guernica’ by Ron English.
Lyrics and meaning
Pulling the listener beyond the surface of a catchy melody, lyrics offer a personal and memorable way of understanding songwriters on a deeper level. You could argue that lyrics are to songs what colour is to art.
For some artists, like Nic Joly, lyrics are central to their artistic expression. Borrowing words and phrases from famous songwriters, he explores the sentiment behind their lyrics, using his miniature figures to share his own interpretation.
Using a 'Cool Brittania’ inspired colour palette and aesthetic, Nic invites us into the electric world of Oasis in his Summer 2025 collection. Sharing his own interpretation of that unforgettable line ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, he encapsulates the defiant and hopeful spirit of the Britpop era. Inspiring memories of our own youths, Nic’s work is fuelled by nostalgia and lyrics that have, not only stood the test of time, but have become their own universal adages.
Featured Art: ‘At Least Not Today’ by Nic Joly.
Feeling and atmosphere
Music is a captivating and transcendent gateway into times gone by, allowing us to recall fond memories or step back into specific moments in our lives.
In his 2025 release ‘Changes’, Jon Jones immerses himself in the sonic world of Black Sabbath. Considered the ‘original’ heavy metal band by many, ‘Changes’ captures the group’s raw energy, rebellious spirit and deeply embedded legacy in global music culture.
Born and raised in Birmingham, just like the band, Jones drew from the city’s gritty history and Black Sabbath’s heavy, haunting sound. With expressive monochrome mark making and dramatic contrast, Jones brings Sabbath to life, capturing their dark, grungy and uncompromising energy.
“Black Sabbath became my daily obsession. Being from Birmingham, everyone I spoke to had their own Sabbath tale to tell.” – Jon Jones
Featured Art: ‘Changes’ by Jon Jones.
Self-expression and identity
Mediums of escapism and individuality, art and music enable artists to share personal and deeply emotional aspects of themselves.
For Boy George, creativity has always been about one thing above all - freedom. A pioneer of pop and a fearless voice for self-expression, Boy George’s work explores themes of identity, love, acceptance and rebellion.
His artwork embodies the same boldness that defines his on-stage performances. Fuelled by vibrant colour, stylised figures and pop culture references that honour the icons who shaped him, Boy George’s artwork serves as a visual diary for ideas he wants to express in colour and shape rather than lyrics and melody.
“For me, art was really the only place where I was able to be self-indulgent and free.” – Boy George
Featured Art: ‘Yamamoto’ by Boy George.
Energy and aesthetic
Music has the power to shape the style of a generation and define an entire era. From the Mods of the 1960s to the grunge trends of the 1990s, the signature style of a decade is often dictated by its soundtrack. Experts at capturing the look and feel of a time, the Bisaillon Brothers centre imagery of some of the world’s most famous musicians in their bold, erratic compositions.
Inspired by music from a young age, the pair draw influence from their father’s collection of jukeboxes and vinyl records when creating their unique and innovative artwork. Rooted in the universally recognised vinyl disc, the Bisaillon Brothers celebrate modern music and pop culture with vivid splashes of colour, bold imagery and their signature trinary code. They explore the energy and aesthetic of some of the world’s best-known musicians, capturing their creative spirit.
“There is a huge amount of nostalgia associated with vinyl records where a certain record can tie the past with the present in the mind.” – Bisaillon Brothers
Featured Art: ‘1975’ by Bisaillon Brothers.
