52 Aces

Poker aficionados, design freaks, passionate collectors, behold! Some of the world’s most creative minds were put to work in order to realize this ultra exquisite project, meant to enchant quite a few. The launch of the second limited edition of ’52 Aces’ is one of the most anticipated events in the design field.

54 hot illustrators were each asked to come up with their own version for one of the cards in a typical poker deck- which comprises 52 cards and 2 jokers, and go as far as their imagination would stretch. As expected, the result was an eccentric mélange of styles and approaches. Each card is wildly different from the others, but some, go a fabulous distance even from the original versions we’re accustomed to. Hence, to some people, the mere sight of the designs could be a bit confusing if it weren’t for the explicit symbols on the cards!

This deck, a fantastic cocktail made up of crazy dreams and elusive chimeras, reunites tens of impressive illustration styles. From ingenious pencil drawings, to juicily juxtaposed collages, to intricate fractals and elaborated cartoons, the cards do offer a real feast for the eyes of each viewer. Due to the rich diversity, it’s impossible to tell which card is better; they’re all truly unique.

At a closer look, there are noticeable differences among the styles and ideas employed by the artists, based also on cultural and tradition differences. Many of the illustrators chose to exploit national themes, or enhance their designs with subtle motifs from various decades or currents, or religious symbols.

Perhaps the best part about this project is how inspiring it achieves to be! On the website of 52 Aces, each card offers a short description about the artist who designed it. This is definitely a great way for all design lovers to learn about great, emerging artists. It is also a challenge for everybody involved in the project, or aspiring, for the future editions.

For those interested in acquiring one of these magnificent decks, the treat is double: there will be a limited printed edition of only 999 decks, which means that every happy possessor can be even more thrilled about his deck. The number was chosen so as to ensure that only the real lovers of design (and of course, poker!) will get a copy.