Since its inception in 1992, the illy Art collection has collaborated with hundreds of leading contemporary artists, including top art world luminaries such as Marina Abramovic, Yoko Ono, Robert Rauschenberg, Je‑ Koons, Julian Schnabel, Anish Kapoor, Daniel Buren, James Rosenquist. Each has lent their creativity and singular imprint onto illy’s cups, creating a rich cadre of collectible table top objects. The espresso cup itself, designed by architect Matteo Thun in 1991, is by now ubiquitous throughout Italy and the rest of the world, an immediately symbol of high-quality and passionate attention. illy Art Collection: small works of art, taking ceramic cup as medium, transforming the simple pleasure of drinking an espresso into an experience that fully engages the senses and the mind.

The new illy Art Collection was created during the annual International Summer Program. At this summer workshop, five artists - Christopher Knowles, Hope Esser, Willie Filkowski, Clo’e Floirat and Gintare Minelgaite -were chosen to depict the spirit of the Watermill Center on the iconic illy espresso cup in collaboration with Robert Wilson. The collection’s designs contain elements from the architecture and grounds of the Watermill Center, references to the art within its walls and recurring themes in Wilson’s work. The pack contains six cups six saucers; a booklet about the artists and their designs; and a poster that tells the story of the illy Art Collection.