Consumers have seen condoms with ribs to titillate or flavors to taste; thanks to Condomania's new line of Art Condoms, condoms now can entertain.
Kevin Segall, who brought his interest in underground art and illustration into his work as Condomania's director of marketing, invited artists to adorn the new condom line.
"I approached many of my favorite artists to gauge their interest in working with us on this project," he said. "Most were extremely enthusiastic about the idea of promoting safer sex through their work."
The Art Condom project began in March 2007. The line features designs by artists like Robert Williams, Coop, Peter Bagge, Trevor Brown, Peter Kuper, Ron English, Johnny Ryan, Winston Smith and the SubGenius Foundation. "It's part of our mission here at Condomania to make safer sex accessible, fun and exciting," Segall explained. "The Art Condoms project has been a great opportunity to fulfill that goal while working with some of my favorite artists in the lowbrow art scene."
Artists such as Robert Williams-co-founder of Zap Comix and Juxtapoz Magazine-were picked because they had large fan bases. "The response has been enthusiastic," Segall said. "So far, the designs by Coop, the SubGenius Foundation and Trevor Brown have been the biggest sellers."
Peter Kuper, the Manhattan-based artist behind the monthly "SPY vs. SPY" cartoon in MAD magazine and the co-founder of the political-comics magazine World War 3 Illustrated, said he is excited about the Art Condoms project. "Doing this design, I've finally put my art to good use: to serve and protect!" His condom features his "Lucha Libre" design.
Until recently, Art Condoms were only available through Condomania's website. Now they are sold worldwide in comic shops, bookstores (including Amazon.com), art galleries and safe-sex outlets. Signed collector's editions will become available in the next few weeks.
"We are still adding more artists to the line and would be happy to talk to folks about licensing opportunities," Segall said. "We also create custom-packaged condoms, which are often used to promote films, bands, nightclubs and organizations.
Art Condoms are available in bulk, display bowls and three-packs in a reusable carrying case shrink-wrapped with a hang tab.