New collection from Mr Perswall celebrates abstract urban art

The story of Underground starts in New York, a city with countless iconic architectural symbols. However, there is always more than one perspective to art – and as Derek Prospero points out, inspiration for Underground came from what some may consider an unexpected source.

“When you are walking through the streets of New York City, the temptation is to look up. There is so much majesty in the skyline and architecture, it can be easy to ignore what is below. But if you look closely, there is an exciting history to be found - in the walls of a subway tunnel, in the spray-painted corridors, in the layers upon layers of posted bills. This collection is a series of collages inspired by the terrain - and sub-terrain - of New York City's public transport network.”

Featuring 20 different designs, the collection offers prints that range from a post-modern, industrial vibe with vivid colour flashes illuminating moody backdrops to natural, organic cracked surfaces and more strict, linear themes. The collection’s colour palette also reflects a worn-out, urban vibe and highlights rusted, earthy notes, washed out primary colours and dramatic, electric neon interventions. As Derek explains, the collection is also a celebration of what can be achieved by working in one of his favourite mediums – collage.

“I enjoy combining physical and digital techniques, as well as exploring the contrasting themes of our surroundings and technology. Working with collage is a fantastic way of expressing the depth, emotion and intensity of these. For this collection, collage ideally conveyed the pop-culture deconstructions and feeling of aesthetic decay I was trying to capture.”

The collection has also been developed to strengthen the company’s position as a cutting-edge creator of wallpaper of singular character. Stina Nilimaa Wickström, VP Design, at Mr Perswall, explains –

“We are known for our capacity to create pin-sharp, high-quality wallpaper based on a customer’s own designs or photos. However, we also offer a series of collections that reflect our commitment to challenge design norms and conventional thinking in our branch. With its edgy, almost punk-rock feel, Underground is a perfect example of this.”

Underground will be available online and from retailers from 26 September. 

For further information or samples of wallpapers for photographic purposes, please contact: 
Camilla Arpö, email camilla.arpo@wallvision.se