David Byrne is recognized in most mainstream circles as the guy wearing ill-fitting suits in Talking Heads videos, and music fans know his influence on New Wave/Post Punk.  Being a bit of a music geek, I did know that his art extended beyond music, and that he spent a short time at the Rhode Island School of Design.

I didn’t however, fully grasp how prolific (if not quirky) his work is.

• Musical work within film: An Academy Award for The Last Emperor and work on Jonathan Demmes Married to the Mob
• Gallery Exhibits in photography, installations, corporate signage, and powerpoint?

My jaunt down the rabbit hole of David Byrne’s art beyond music was a happy accident at the SXSW book store, running into his latest book “The Arboretum“.   A series of sketches, it’s a blend of parody, satire, information design, and visual poetry.  Having a cursory understanding of Edward Tuftes guru status in Information Design, and being in a job that’s constantly trying to simplify complex concepts - it was a fun flip through.  Helps us planner types that are boxed into the templates and conventions of powerpoint break out of the box too.

Byrne also should be a inspiration to our creative folks - his innate curiosity to work any medium no matter how “mundane”, to discover the creativity locked within it.  Have a look at his stuff, and let us know your thoughts ; )