Topman x Mason Newman Collaboration: Exclusive Interview

Birmingham-born and raised artist, Mason Newman, is at the centre of Topman’s latest collaboration. Known for his playful artworks, which highlight heavy topics like loss and grief, his style remains inherently imbued with childlike whimsy. This is especially clear in his latest exhibition, “All My Heroes Are Dead”.

Newman’s works are folded into a new eight-piece collection debuted by the retail brand. The distinctive choice to showcase this collaboration at the ST.ART Gallery confirms the collection’s purpose — that being to platform independent creatives. Meanwhile, the gallery is built upon similar principles. The Director Charlie Pannell confirms, “ST.ART Gallery exists to champion younger creative voices and to create an inclusive, culturally relevant space that challenges the stagnating traditional gallery model”.

Topman x Mason Newman

Speaking to this further, Moses Rashid, the Global Marketing Director at Topshop & Topman expressed, “This collaboration nods to the history of Topman pioneering emerging talent and sharing the stage.” Prevailing narratives depict artists doomed to absorption by the onslaught of AI. Now, it’s more important than ever to showcase the ways that artists are continuing to not only develop their craft, but to do so in a way that becomes a viable means of career growth and stability.

The limited run collection is called “Romance at the Rodeo” and draws on popular themes of cowboys and the “wild west”. One of the designs features a split black and red background with two figures in front, either is wearing a cowboy hat and horns which emulate horse ears. Newman’s distinct art style is showcased throughout, with expertly layered pigments that solidify the standalone qualities of his particular artistic approach.

The collection boasts boxy silhouettes and oversized fits, which directly overlap with Newman’s proclivity for streetwear. Though the collection of garments is presented as a limited run of select tees and hoodies, there is much to appreciate about the sheer attention to detail and distinct qualities of each piece. It is not only well-crafted, designated for long-term wear and integration into one’s wardrobe, but it is also representative of what happens when brands bring fresh perspectives to the fore.

The garments are crafted from elevated jersey fabrics and highlights heavyweight loopback sweats, as well as textured jerseys. This collaboration’s noteworthy features don’t end there, some garments present a textured feel alongside cropped shapes and forms. Additionally, there is a three-dimensional foamy print design across the collection, appearing in the way of hearts and stars, adding further intrigue to the already attention-grabbing designs.

Topman x Mason Newman

New Wave had the chance to gather Newman’s thoughts on his practice, the collaboration, and what’s next. Read below for the exclusive interview.

NW: As for the collaboration with TOPMAN, what do you think this means for the expansion of your artistic practice?

Mason Newman: I’ve always been a fashion guy. Being able to bridge the gap between my art and fashion with these kinds of collaborations is genuinely a dream. I want everyone to be able to wear Mason Newman if not able to put the pieces on their walls. Art has always been an elite space, and sadly, naturally still is, even with my works’ prices rising so doing this TOPMAN collab really means a lot. 

NW: This collaboration presents direct overlaps between fashion and art, how do you think the two inherently inform each other?

MN: I said it to someone on the opening night of the collab. Art and Fashion are the same thing. How we express ourselves and personality, whether that's something on our walls, or when we leave the house on our bodies. Both extensions of ourselves. 

NW: Did you always envision yourself becoming an artist and if not, what was your initial path forward? When did this change?

MN: What I always knew was that education and a normal life weren’t for me. I had a teacher say at a parents' evening once to my mom that I confused him as if I tried hard, I could go to Oxford but chose to draw clothes and doodles in my exam papers. When I left school at 16, I got an apprenticeship in property and got fired for taking the day off to tattoo my hands. That's when I started making art on clothes and trying to sell them, later leading into art. 

NW: When you create, is there a wider vision in mind before you start painting or does the medium itself take you along for the ride?

MN: I’m the most chaotic person in my life, my head flies around 109mph. Thank ADHD which is a blessing. I could be sitting here screaming at the canvas and then boom, there's my ide,a or be watching a film and boom, there's Margot Robbie, lets re-imagine her as my character. I genuinely pull ideas from everywhere. Wild ride. 

NW: How do you hope your work impacts the viewer?

MN: When you see a Mason Newman. I want you to know it's a Mason Newman. Kind of like a tornado mixed with a punch from prime Mike Tyson hitting you in the face through colour and outlandishness. 

Topman x Mason Newman

NW: If you had to name your favourite cafe, bar, and venue in Birmingham and London -- what would they be?

MN: I’m a sucker for a proper pub. My favourite in London is The Devonshire in Soho which my genius friend Oisín Rogers owns. The best Guinness in England which actually triples up as all of those three, really, with live music in the green room. Taking me over to Ireland who as we know, do pubs better than anyone. As for Birmingham, the pub I’m opening in the city centre in the new year is of course, going to be the best. Keep an eye out. 

NW: Lastly, if you could go back in time to any version of your younger self and give him advice, what would you say? 

MN: I’d go back to 8 and teach myself to keep wearing those skulls and not try to fit in as well, as anxiety and loads of mental stress is about to hit you over the next 20 years, just take a breath and laugh throughout.