Absolut’s New Sensations

Last summer purveyors of art-infused vodka Absolut showed off the first designs in their Absolut Blank series, a bright, bold bunch of bottles that showcased the brand’s penchant for innovative designs.

One of this year's competition shortlist, by Antonio Marguet
One of this year’s competition shortlist, by Antonio Marguet

Now, more artists including Mat Collishaw, Chantal Joffe, Hew Locke and Yinka Shonibare have joined the ranks, and their works will be displayed alongside the winners of this year’s Absolut Blank design competition as part of the Saatchi gallery’s New Sensations show which opens today.

One of this year's competition shortlist, by Jin Han Lee
One of this year’s competition shortlist, by Jin Han Lee

Fro Absolut Blank, Absolut invited the artist shortlisted for New Sensations to make a new work with a completely open brief back in February, with the shortlist announced at the end of July. The judges included artists John Stezaker and Richard Wilson; Nancy Durrant, arts commissioning editor of The Times; Tabitha Jackson, arts commissioning editor for Channel 4 and Rebecca Wilson, director of the Saatchi Gallery.

One of this year's competition shortlist, by Natasha Heel
One of this year’s competition shortlist, by Natasha Heel

The three shortlisted entrants, Jin Han Lee, Antonio Marguet and Natasha Peel, will be showing the works they created inspired y the Absolut bottle shape, with the winner, announced later this week, receiving a cash prize and help with a studio space.

Warhol's work, the first commission by Absolut
Warhol’s work, the first commission by Absolut

Other high profile past Absolut collaborators include Andy Warhol, Louise Bourgeois, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst and Jamie Hewlett, who designed the lovely London-inspired bottles last year, showing the likes of  the Dickensian and 18th Century Dandy, a ‘Pinstripe gent’ and a punk.

Louise Bourgeois' Absolut design
Louise Bourgeois’ Absolut design

Absolut Blank at New Sensations runs until 14 October at B1, Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, London WC1B

Start the discussionStart the discussion
  • Post a comment

Latest articles