As fans return to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the 2021 US Open, they will be welcomed back by one of New York’s most enduring symbols—the Statue of Liberty.
Originally a beacon of acceptance for immigrants entering the U.S., the statue has been transformed by artist Conrad Garner for this year’s US Open theme art. In his vibrant and modern rendition, Lady Liberty’s got game as her iconic torch is replaced with a tennis racquet.
“The artwork needed to say New York and tennis,” said Garner, who keyed on the bold and bright colors he recalled from tennis stylings of the past. But for copyright reasons, he could not use the likeness of any pro players, or the New York City skyline.
“It was a challenge for sure, but that’s when my mind goes to work,” the Tampa, Florida, resident continued. “I knew I wanted to incorporate the Statue of Liberty in some way. I tried different scaling angles and cropping.”
Garner, whose past clients include Paul McCartney, Queen and the Toronto Maple Leafs, found his style to be a perfect fit for the US Open.
“The basic imagery says it all,” he reflected. “Vibrant color play, classic icons, textures and patterns take center stage in my work.”
Garner’s art was also turned into an animation (video below), courtesy of Ryan Gallet. Hired through Snyder Studio, a certified woman-owned business, Gallet has created theme art animations for each of the last three US Opens.
This year, in developing the story of his 15-second work, Gallet leaned into the idea of New York coming back, and fans coming back to New York. He starts his process by asking questions about the project and original artwork, before letting his creativity take over.
“I just run with it, once I have all the information,” said the Santa Monica resident, who played varsity tennis in high school. “It’s like putting a little puzzle together.”
Staying true to the original artwork, Gallet drew from Garner’s line work to illustrate the journey from the Statue of Liberty to the Arthur Ashe Stadium. In the animation, the lines transform into a grand display of movement and progression, along with a subtle nod the NYC subway map.
"I try to create an engaging story with the time given to tell it," he shared. "Sometimes it's just experimenting and playing and seeing what will be visually appealing... This year I used a little bit more motion graphics, where last year was more vector-based with the animation."
The artist and animator did not discuss the animation—Gallet was simply given a layered file with which to work. But both are excited to see their creations on display at the 2021 US Open.
“I have not had the chance to see it in its full animated glory yet, and I am excited to see it come to life,” said Garner. “Having my artwork turned into animation is thrilling. I love collaborations, and when someone can take something I did and elevate it through animation, it makes me beyond stoked.”
Throughout the US Open, the theme art will be on display both throughout the grounds of the NTC and on the tournament’s digital properties, including the US Open app. It will also be featured on the cover of the 2021 US Open program and on merchandise available in-person and online at the US Open Shop.
View the 2021 US Open theme art animation below.
