Michael Kane : Absolut Classics
Rubicon Gallery, Dublin
14 August - 1 September 2001
For three weeks, Rubicon Gallery is hosting a stunning selection of artwork from Absolut Vodka’s world renowned art collection. This collection consists of prominent contemporary artists from the 20th century such as Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Keith Haring, Peter Blake and Chris Offili, to name a few. This is the premier viewing of the original artwork in Ireland.
Absolut Vodka is one of the most prestigious vodka’s in the world. The bottle’s timeless design and quality has been a catalyst in establishing it as a cultural icon. Absolut is well known for it’s association with art and fashion world wide. “I love the packaging, I love the feeling of it, I want to do something...” -Andy Warhol, 1985. As a result of this declaration, Warhol produced the acclaimed image of Absolut’s bottle, which was subsequently used as an advertisement for the product. Since then, over 500 established and emerging artists have translated Absolut Vodka in painting, fashion, photography, sculpture, film, literature and countless other art forms.
The premier of Absolut Classics in Ireland is marked by the commissioning of an original artwork to join Absolut’s eclectic mix of artists. From the artist’s considered, Michael Kane, a well established and celebrated Irish artist, was selected. Born in Wicklow, and currently living and working in Dublin, Michael Kane came to the forefront of the Irish art world in the 1960’s and has since exhibited extensively throughout Ireland and internationally. He is also included in many private and corporate collections worldwide. His task was to give his personal interpretation of the Absolut Vodka bottle. Michael Kane’s uninhibited expressions, and energy assures his ‘Absolut Kane’ to be memorable.
RUBICON GALLERY
10 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
