With its delicate, translucent petals that radiate an otherworldly iridescent sheen, it’s hard to imagine these flowers tended to in anywhere but deep in the hearts of a lush floral Utopia.
The creatives behind this ethereal hybridised 3D Orchid are none other than Yana and Jun, founders of brand strategy and creative consultancy, BÜRO UFHO. The name UFHO, which is an acronym of euphoria, is an extension of their design philosophy: to create meaningful and informative work that elicits a state of sheer delight. Yana and Jun have channelled exactly that, and dare we say more, in their exclusive artwork for Vogue Singapore.
The creative duo pays tribute to the blooming qualities and rich symbolism held by the beautiful Vanda Miss Joaquim and translates them into a hybridised Vanda Vogue Singapore orchid. From the glossy, opulent petals to the tiny buds that have yet to blossom, the artwork exudes fresh beginnings of hope, resilience and boldness in the face of unknowns.
What was your thought process when you started on the artwork?
Making her debut almost the same time as Vogue magazine 127 years ago, the beautiful Vanda Miss Joaquim was chosen as our national flower for its resilience, blooming qualities, and its symbolism to our multicultural heritage. We wanted to translate these qualities into a hybridised Vanda Vogue Singapore orchid, as a fresh interpretation of our hopes and dreams moving forward to grow and blossom in the community.
What signature elements have you incorporated into the artwork for Vogue Singapore?
The flashy, shimmering iridescent sheen reflects the dynamism of admiration, royalty, resilience, and boldness of its hybrid nature. We imbue it with a sense of new beginnings to represent hope and enthusiasm and translate that uniqueness through translucent petals that give off an otherworldly light.
How would you describe your artwork for Vogue Singapore in three words?
Alien, hybrid, seductive.
What is one skill or habit that you have picked up during the pandemic?
The great pause has allowed us time to develop a habit for self-care. We set aside time to read—learning from the past, making sense of the present, guiding us towards the future.
What is one thing that you are thankful for, even in the midst of this global pandemic?
Being alive is an obvious one—so we’ll go with the Internet.
As the world opens up, what is one thing that you are most looking forward to?
Good food, good vibes, and great company.
Do you think art and creativity are essential today? Why or why not?
Art and creativity have always been essential. They stimulate growth in our cognitive areas, teach problem-solving skills that enable innovation, keeps us sane in a lock-down. Art provides commonalities, and commonality resonates with and unites people. Experiencing art has always lifted us from loneliness, soothes our pain, making us aware that we’re not alone, which helps us cope with life, especially in these trying times. Good art inspires and gives us hope, creativity enables it. Civilisations disappear but the art and creativity remain. The role of providing that commonality, and enabling hope, is absolutely vital to civilisation.
