The event coincides with the UK-launch of the brand’s Limited-Edition Absolut Warhol bottle, which will roll out across the UK On- and Off-Trade from 1 October. Absolut continues to spearhead inclusivity and creativity by giving underrepresented artists the opportunity to showcase their talent through ‘the other half’ of Warhol’s Absolut ‘blue’ artwork. In July, Absolut launched a limited-edition bottle to celebrate the rediscovery of Warhol’s Absolut ‘blue’ painting, almost four decades after it was painted by the iconic American artist.
Now, in a ground-breaking activation, Absolut has selected five artists from across the UK to create ‘the other half of Absolut Warhol’; their interpretation of the bottom half of Warhol’s Absolut ‘blue’ painting.
Absolut Warhol: The Other Half exhibition is free to the public and opens on 4 October.
The pop-up space that is influenced by Warhol’s Silver Cloud Factory will encourage visitors to mix and immerse themselves in art.
Absolut is launching Absolut Warhol: The Other Half providing five underrepresented UK artists with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their work, inspired by Warhol’s rediscovered ‘blue’ painting, in London’s Saatchi Gallery.
With only one in five full-time artists exhibiting in a gallery during their lifetime* the exhibition provides the chosen artists with a unique opportunity to showcase their work, allowing their creations to be experienced in a tangible and immersive setting in an iconic high-profile gallery.
The selected artists come from diverse backgrounds and excel across various creative disciplines:
London-based Kelly Anna is known for her bold and dynamic figures that emphasise movement and wellness.
Nigerian artist Ken Nwadiogbu blends hyperrealism with contemporary themes of identity and socio-political control.
Jade Pearl is a visionary artist and designer whose work integrates fashion, art and well-being.
Alexa Sirbu explores digital storytelling through hyperreal 3D design.
Xu Yang’s work explores her personal interests, sexuality, body and identity through painting, photography and mixed media.
The ‘Other Half’ initiative underlines Absolut's ongoing commitment to creativity, offering a platform for diverse voices while honouring Warhol's legacy of challenging artistic norms and embracing cultural inclusivity. The exhibition not only continues the brand’s association with groundbreaking art but also reinforces its mission to support progressive and imaginative expression in contemporary culture.
Liam Murphy, Marketing Director for Pernod Ricard UK, comments: “Through the rediscovery of a lost artwork, we have been given an incredible gift. Absolut has historically been a key contributor within arts and culture in the UK and it’s so exciting to be revitalising one of the most iconic partnerships in the brand’s history. The link between Absolut and Andy Warhol is part of the zeitgeist and we’re looking to disrupt the category once again with a bold limited-edition design supported by a first-of-its kind exhibition.”
The limited-edition Absolut x Warhol bottle is available to purchase from Harvey Nichols and Amazon, as well as across the Grocery Off-Trade (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose) and Impulse from 1 October. Bespoke Absolut Warhol menus will also be available at On-Trade venues nationwide including Harvey Nichols and Little Scarlett Door.
The 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.
Absolut has always believed that art has the power to unite people beyond differences and this rich history of championing innovative and diverse artists highlights its dedication to fostering creativity and providing a platform for artistic expression. It has been championing the unifying power of art since 1985 when Andy Warhol created the first ‘Absolut Warhol’ painting, featuring Absolut’s apothecary-inspired bottle in vibrant colours on a black background. This commitment has continued through iconic collaborations, featuring legendary artists such as Keith Haring and Julia Wachtel, and more recently with contemporary talents including Olly Alexander.
Please see here for Absolut Warhol: The Other Half campaign assets.