It’s likely you haven’t heard of Visionaire, the exclusive art publisher. But after you see what they’re up to, you’ll wonder why you were kept in the dark for so long. Imagine a magazine that acts as an art collective. Each issue is conceived and overseen by the Visionaire editors, with artists, fashion designers, and photographers acting as guest collaborators.

Visionaire’s founders are Steven Gan, James Kaliardos, and Cecilia Dean. Since 1991, their innovative idea for the way an art magazine should be run has been the modus operandi for Visionaire. They produce about 3 editions per year, and this year, with the 53rd issue titled “Sound,” they once again rewrite the rules for a magazine.

“Sound,” is light years from a typical printed magazine. First, notice the art on the five 12″ discs. Each one is designed by artists like Wim Delvoye, Robert Longo, Raymond Pettibon, Peter Saville, Cindy Sherman, and Mario Sorrenti.

Next, the music. The musicians who collaborated in the project are too numerous to name. For a taste, think David Byrne, Cat Power, Adrock, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Michael Stipe with Miguel Bose, Yoko Ono, Spank Rock, Dani Siciliano, Vashti Bunyan, Lalo Schifrin, Christian Marclay, Fiery Furnaces, Trevor Jackson, Dntel, Fantastic Plastic Machine, UNKLE, Pet Shop Boys, Fischerspooner, U2, Jose Gonzalez, Dave Eggers, Sunn O))), Gang Gang Dance, DJ Spooky, Christian Fennesz, Lee Ranaldo, Thurston Moore & Kim Gordon. And that’s not all. Fashion icons like Helmut Lang, Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen contributed to the music productions as well.

The “Sound” package doesn’t stop here. Inside each edition is a MINI Clubman record player to facilitate listening to all that music. Also, there is a glossy booklet with artist credits and track info, and two CDs with the total production.

“Sound” is for only the most fastidious audiophile. Visionaire has limited it to 4000 copies, with each one carrying a hefty $250 price tag.

Visionaire 53 Sound
A portable record player with over 100 minutes of sound on 5 12” vinyl record picture discs and 2 CDs
Price: $675 + shipping
https://www.visionaireworld.com