We have just learned of the death of legendary visionary concept artist and futurist Syd Mead. We were honored to do a fantastic article on his life and art in HF Vol.33. Below, for the first time, we are going to make that article written by Silke Tudor public for you to read it and learn about his life and worldview.
In our current issue print issue, Hi-Fructose Vol. 33, writer Silke Tudor speaks to influential designer and illustrator Syd Mead, the 80 year-old-artist known for his concept work in Blade Runner, Aliens and TRON. In the feature, Mead discusses his fascination with mechanical designs and his unique, technical approach as an illustrator. His science fiction-tinged work calls to mind a utopian vision that puts forth in hope of a better future. "If we start rehearsing a dismal world, that's the way we'll end up," he tells Tudor in the article. "I hope all these dystopian shoot-em-ups are cathartic — I truly hope that they are. In the meantime, I'm doing my small part to visualize a glossy, egalitarian — that means everyone does their part or it doesn't work — technically advanced society that produces a workable future, and a nicer place to live. That's what I want." Check out a few of Mead's iconic artworks below and learn more about the artist in Hi-Fructose Vol. 33.