Context is queen

If content is king, then context is queen.

We can all enjoy creative work as a pure sensory experience. YES.

But it’s when we get context for that work — who made it, how it was made, what ideas, scenes, and history surround it — that joy turns into a deeper appreciation — one of love.

Context is the missing element in culture today. We consume giant feeds that flatten everything — advertising, harrowing news, self-promotion, life updates, creative work — into a never-ending stream. 

The content is endless. The context much harder to find.

While creating Metalabel, context is central to our thinking. We want to celebrate the work, the who, the how, and the why. We want the work to not just get eyeballs. We want it to be seen.

This celebration of context is why every Metalabel release has:

• A long storytelling gallery where people can tell the story of their work in rich and deep ways
• A Notes section with links, background, and further context, like a dedicated Tumblr for just that release
• Unique edition numbers and provenance that allow every collector to show off their support and be seen by the artist, too

Dive into the rich context behind this week’s pair of featured releases from the worlds of art and design. Gain some context of your own by collecting your own unique edition of their excellent work.