New Era Introducing North America Announces Winner Of Most Unique Display Of Self-Expression In Headwear Design

BUFFALO, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New Era, the international lifestyle brand with an authentic sports heritage, is pleased to announce the winning entry in its search for the creative minds of tomorrow.  Artist Marconi Calindas of San Francisco will receive a $10,000 grant to assist in launching his artistic career. Marconi's winning 59FIFTY design will also continue on in a touring gallery exhibition and will be published in a limited edition New Era Introducing book along with the other 100 finalists.

After being presented with a blank 59FIFTY and asked to unleash his creativity for the second phase of the project, Marconi was moved by the tragedy of teen suicide. He used his distinct rendering technique, utilizing pure bright hues and black outlets, with a bold visual vocabulary to help the viewer to feel the tragedy of a life lost.

The three colorful masks Marconi has encased beneath the cap portray the anguish and isolation of the victim. The three sided arrangement represents his inability to visualize a future of hope and love as he contemplates his demise. The base of the cap is divided into four distinct panels that depict verbal and physical abuse upon the bullied victim. The artwork depicts the culmination of his suicide in the wake of sorrow he leaves behind. 

In showcasing his design, Marconi hopes to challenge the viewer and help foster a world of understanding, love and equality.  Marconi is currently illustrating and co-writing a book on the education of bullying and embracing individual differences. He plans to use the prize money to publish and distribute the book to libraries and schools throughout the West Coast.

New Era Introducing is a global creative project initially launched by the brand's EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) branch. The initiative aims to give unique, up-and-coming talent an opportunity to make their own artistic statement using a blank New Era 59FIFTY fitted cap as their canvas. The first phase encouraged talent across North America to submit their work to the creative community on the New Era Introducing website, http://northamerica.neweraintroducing.com.

Upon the second phase, the top 100 artists were issued a blank New Era 59FIFTY cap and asked to transform the cap into a distinctive work of art and capture the creative process behind their design, detailing its birth, creation, experience and influences. The final entries were judged by an international panel and will form a touring exhibition that will visit major cities. Each finalist's work of art will also be included in the limited edition New Era Introducing hardback book, sold exclusively at North American New Era flagships beginning September 27. 

The touring exhibition will be at the following cities:

"New Era Introducing is a platform for self-expression and a strong reflection of our brand DNA. We've built our brand by focusing on customization and collaboration, and the opportunity to work on a project with young creative minds of tomorrow is incredibly exciting," explained Wayne Best, Global Director Consumer Marketing. "The unique artistic expressions and interpretations of the New Era 59FIFTY that were exhibited in Europe, the Middle East and Africa last year were sincerely inspiring. We're proud to showcase these young talents around the world and look forward to presenting an equally creative exhibition across North America."

For more information, visit http://northamerica.neweraintroducing.com.   

About New Era

New Era is an international lifestyle brand with an authentic sports heritage that dates back over 90 years. The brand is best known for being the official on-field cap for Major League Baseball and the official cap for the National Football League. New Era is the brand of choice not only for its headwear collections, but also for its accessories and apparel lines for men, women and youth. The brand is worn as a symbol of self-expression by athletes, artists and some of the most interesting people around the globe. New Era encourages people to "FLY YOUR OWN FLAG™" - to truly express their personal style and individuality through its products. The Company is headquartered in Buffalo, N.Y. and operates facilities in Canada, Europe, Brazil, Japan and Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.neweracap.com.

SOURCE New Era