The chicken or the egg scenario is relatable to the co-opted use of the Futura Heavy Oblique font against a red rectangular background. Barbara Kruger became known for it as her style in the art world, designing mantras that would read, “Talk is cheap,” and "I shop therefore I am.” Yet it would be Supreme, the skateboard lifestyle brand, that would make the red box logo world famous.
If necessity is the mother of invention, then Barbara Kruger birthed a nation of creators like Supreme. Walk down any street in New York City, and you'll inevitably stumble upon a sticker or screen-printed T-shirt inspired by her signature style. In 2010, Kruger collaborated with W Magazine covering Kim Kardashian’s nude unmentionables using her signature wit and sarcasm.
In 2009, Richard Prince asked Barbara Kruger in BOMB magazine about her work being produced or reproduced, where she said, "All work can be called reproductions to some degree, since it incorporates certain styles or codes which preceded it. I think the difference lies in the acknowledgment of previous production within the work." Think of Kruger with regards to what Jay-Z said on "Takeover"—"You made it a hot line, I made it a hot song." She's made a career out of layering images with sharp statements that have landed her exhibits at The Whitney Museum, MOCA, and in May, she's designing the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. See 25 Brands Inspired by Barbara Kruger.
RELATED: Interview: Barbara Kruger Talks Her New Installation And Art In The Digital Age
RELATED: The 50 Greatest Pop Culture References in Streetwear
RELATED: The 50 Greatest Skate Logos