Absolut is launching a limited-edition bottle in collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts inspired by the rediscovery of Warhol’s Absolut ‘blue’ painting.
Landing on Australian shelves from 21 October, the new bottle, which "embodies the power of expression and progression through art", comes almost 40 years after Absolut Vodka first collaborated with the American artist.
Absolut Vodka says it has "always believed that art has the power to unite people beyond differences". It’s a belief that can be traced to 1985 when Andy Warhol became the first artist to create artwork based on the silhouette of Absolut’s apothecary-inspired bottle.
The artist’s original ‘Absolut Warhol’ – the Absolut bottle painted with vibrant colours on a black background – is considered iconic.
For decades, a second Absolut Warhol painting had been rumoured to exist, but such whispers remained unconfirmed until Absolut ‘blue’ was rediscovered at auction in 2020. In proving its provenance, the original contract was unearthed, confirming two paintings had indeed been commissioned.
Now part of the Absolut Art Collection, the painting will be unveiled at Stockholm’s Spritmuseum on 17 October 2024 as the centrepiece of a new exhibition, Andy Warhol, Money On The Wall, curated by renowned art historian and Warhol biographer, Dr Blake Gopnik.
Warhol’s artistic legacy continues to transcend cultural and societal boundaries to this day, allowing a medium through which people from all different walks of life can unite, sparking conversations that challenge the norm.
Through the collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation, Absolut is paying tribute to the rediscovered Warhol Absolut ‘blue’ painting and, by revitalising the original partnership, emphasises the transformative power of creativity through art.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with The Andy Warhol Foundation to reintroduce this timeless Absolut Warhol artwork to the public,” said Deb Dasgupta, vice-president of global marketing at Absolut Vodka.
“Embracing our values of inclusivity and a commitment to fostering a culture of boundless creative expression, we aim to unite diverse voices and spark meaningful conversations to inspire positive change through the transformative power of art.
“With the limited-edition bottle, we are excited to offer consumers everywhere a chance to become part of the Absolut Warhol legacy and to own their own piece of artwork.”
This limited-edition bottle has a visually artistic and layered aesthetic due to the multi-layered screen-printed design.
The bottle combines both internal and external design components, bringing Warhol’s rediscovered Absolut ‘blue’ painting from 1985 to life by the magnification of the Absolut Vodka within.
Each shade of blue has been carefully extracted from the painting, delivering a striking likeness to the original and a "stunning finish" through the lens of the Absolut Vodka.
The final details include an image of Warhol himself alongside his original signature.
“Our collaboration with Absolut Vodka celebrates Warhol’s enduring artistic legacy and cultural influence through his belief in the power of art to provoke thought and inspire change,” said Michael Dayton Hermann, director of licensing, marketing and sales at The Andy Warhol Foundation.
“We are thrilled to see this dynamic campaign come to life, inviting new generations to engage with his legacy in a fresh and dynamic way.
“Proceeds from this impactful collaboration will generously support the philanthropic work of The Andy Warhol Foundation in fulfilling its mission to advance the visual arts and projects that challenge the status quo.”
The much-anticipated Absolut Warhol limited-edition will retail for $50 and is available in stores nationwide from 21 October.
