There was something familiar about the sleeve of U2’s new album (Not a picture of any sea or ocean, but actually Lake Constance (Bodensee) as seen from Uttwil, in Switzerland, taken in 1993.) A few Google searches later, I realised that the photographer, Hiroshi Sugimoto, also took a photo of Tadao Ando’s Church of Light:
And it so happens that Bono visited that church, when he was in Osaka, Japan with Guggi and Gavin Friday back in 2006:
Bono and Gavin Friday, Church of Light. Photographer unknown.
And here’s a picture of Bono and Tadao Ando together when the architect came to visit Dublin.
So there you have it. A fun little insight into how U2’s choice for their new sleeve may have come about.
I think the NLOTH cover art is just that — art. Nice to see a band go back to developing artwork for their covers. As much as I loved the covers for “Joshua Tree” and “Unforgettable Fire”, I think the “band standing around” concept can get stale (IMHO the covers for ATYCLB and HTDAAB were uninspired and thus fell flat — again, just my opinion)
Maybe I missed it, tho: Was just cover done expressly for the album or is U2 using pre-existing work by this artist?
I think the NLOTH cover art is just that — art. Nice to see a band go back to developing artwork for their covers. As much as I loved the covers for “Joshua Tree” and “Unforgettable Fire”, I think the “band standing around” concept can get stale (IMHO the covers for ATYCLB and HTDAAB were uninspired and thus fell flat — again, just my opinion)
Maybe I missed it, tho: Was just cover done expressly for the album or is U2 using pre-existing work by this artist?
The photo is 15 years old, but I reckon the artwork (the ‘equals’ sign) was probably done for the album.
The photo is 15 years old, but I reckon the artwork (the ‘equals’ sign) was probably done for the album.
I love the photography for ATYCLB — the airport theme works for me. Never liked HTDAAB though, the Edge looks asleep.
But NLOTH — has anyone been to a music store lately? All the cd covers in the top 40 are bright and colourful, with airbrushed smiles and breasts staring at you. Sugimoto’s photo is subtle, simple but deep, and will stand out from the crowd. So it works on all levels for me — concept and marketing.
I love the photography for ATYCLB — the airport theme works for me. Never liked HTDAAB though, the Edge looks asleep.
But NLOTH — has anyone been to a music store lately? All the cd covers in the top 40 are bright and colourful, with airbrushed smiles and breasts staring at you. Sugimoto’s photo is subtle, simple but deep, and will stand out from the crowd. So it works on all levels for me — concept and marketing.