Storm Thorgerson is an English graphic designer and music video director, who famously worked alongside Pink Floyd throughout his career, and most notably created their The Dark Side of the Moon cover.
Storm Thorgerson has created some of the most iconic album covers, his artwork for The Dark Side of the Moon has been called one of the greatest album covers of all time. As well as this, Thorgerson has been described as having art of music visualization.
Thorgerson’s use of ostranenie within his surrealist style, is one of the reasons i was drawn to his work, it really stands out and draws your attention towards the album covers. I also noted throughout researching Thorgerson, he often portrayed the albums title’s in abstract ways within his imagery.
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Pink Floyd's iconic 1975 album, "Wish You Were Here," is not only celebrated for its progressive rock masterpiece but also for its album artwork, which is a profound visual expression of the music within. The album cover, designed by legendary artist Storm Thorgerson, is a striking work of art that encapsulates the themes of absence, disconnection, and the music industry itself.
At first glance, the album cover features two men in business suits, one of them on fire, shaking hands in what seems like a cold, impersonal greeting. This image symbolizes the hollowness and insincerity of the music business, where creative souls are often consumed and exploited. The flaming figure serves as a stark metaphor for the burning passion and soul of artists being sacrificed for commercial gain.
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The clever use of the iconic "Welcome to the Machine" concept, with a black background and the handshake, captures the mechanical nature of the industry. The inclusion of a hidden element – the album's actual burning, blistered plastic cover beneath the outer shrink wrap – is a subtle nod to the theme of deception and illusion.
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In just one image, "Wish You Were Here" delves deep into the complex emotions and cynicism that permeate the music world, making it a masterpiece of album artwork that resonates with the music's hauntingly beautiful soundscapes. It's an enduring visual representation of Pink Floyd's exploration of the human condition and their tumultuous relationship with the music industry.
Listen to Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd Here