TUD X Harif Guzman Partner On The Brand’s Latest Art-Inspired Collaboration

A new art toy from the Dubai-based company The Ugly Duck celebrates the visionary graffiti artist known as Haculla

The Ugly Duck (TUD) company is a Dubai-based brand that celebrates the unconventional, crafting limited edition collectible characters that marry art, interior design, and a potent sense of playfulness. Partnering with creatives who defy convention, TUD celebrates tastemakers who attempt to save the world with their artistic vision.   

Harif Guzman is one such tastemaker. Beginning his journey on the streets of New York, it was a skateboarding injury that led Harif to first pick up a paintbrush, in an attempt to channel his frustrations into his art. An exhibition in the 55DSL shop at Union Square was the defining moment that took him from aspiring creative to critically acclaimed graffiti artist, and using the city as his canvas, the artist soon developed an alter ego, Haculla, – a reference to his obsession with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Since then, Haculla has become an iconic figure on the street art scene.

In this new collaboration, Harif blends his iconic characters with the spirit of TUD, to create two collectables: TUD x Harif Guzman “DUCKULLA” and TUD x Harif Guzman “QUACKULLA.” Both pieces draw on Harif’s street art aesthetic, and celebrate his journey from humble roots to esteemed artist. 

The TUD x Harif Guzman “DUCKULLA” blends Dracula-inspired elements – glowing eyes and sharp fangs – with the message “True love never dies.” Its monochrome design codes will add a punk rock edge to any modern and minimalist space, while serving as a reminder to always pursue artistic expression and enduring passions.

The TUD x Harif Guzman “QUACKULLA” is inspired by Tokyo in the early 2000s, with glowing eyes and a pirate graphic adding whimsical flair. Each piece is inked with Harif’s freshly-designed autograph, bringing a little of his major artworks into every home. 

Embracing Harif’s journey from the street to stardom, the collaboration celebrates the essence of “staying ugly” – embracing the power of staying true to yourself while evolving into your full potential. “I don’t even know what a cool artist is anymore…” says Harif. “I think that could be someone who came over through difficulties with ease.”

TUD’s previous collaborations include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Michael Jackson, Frida Khalo, and Chupa Chups, showing the breadth and depth of the brand’s creative inspirations, capturing the imaginations of art buffs, music lovers and pop-cult collectors everywhere. 

Both designs from the TUD x Harif Guzman collection are available in limited quantities on the the TUD website, offering a little raw energy to art enthusiasts and fans of Harif’s work alike.  

For more information about the TUD x Harif Guzman collection, visit tudtoy.com.

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