February, 2002 - In the 19th century, Absinthe was not only the popular drink for the artistic elites in Paris, but also an integral part of their bohemian lifestyle. But the brand was banned in 1915 because it contained thujone, the hallucinogenic component in wormwood. Now, the fashion is back with the new name, ABSENTE, marketed by Crillion Importers Ltd. Based on the original Absinthe recipe, it's comprised of several exotic botanicals including southern wormwood. With the relaunch of Absente, Crillon Importers commissioned six contemporary artists to create the brand's marketing posters.
See More Posters (Pop-up Gallery)
BURTON MORRIS - One of the leaders of "New Pop" art movement, Morris creates powerful images by adding a contemporary twist to traditional Pop Art. His artwork can be seen everywhere from hit television shows such as Friends to the advertisements of McDonald's, American Express, Microsoft, AT&T, Sony, and Heinz. He was recently selected as one of America's official artists for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, and as the official artist for the prestigious Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. (Morris' work is the one on the right)
AlAIN DESPERT, a self-taught French artist began his career painting colourful scenes of everyday life in his beloved Bora Bora. After he moved to New York in 1990, Despert worked for Absolut vodka campaign.
His unique style and captivating use of colour has attracted collectors from every continent. He has exhibited his work around the nation and in Europe. He recently established his studio in Dallas. (Despert's Page)
JOHN PACOVSKY - Another self-taught artist, Pacovsky didn't discover the joy of painting until he was 25. Since then, he has spent next 25 years reflecting his emotional and spiritual changes on canvas. His style fluctuates between surrealism and realism. he describes his surrealistic pieces as "postcards from the 4th dimension," and says his realistic pieces are an attempt to look closely, capture and be caught in that particular moment in time. (His work is the one on the left, two guys sitting)
RON ENGLISH - A self-described "POPagandist or Billboard Bandit," English worked on many ad campaigns in New York with his "Disney-meets-Dali" technique. He studied photography in Texas and moved to New York in 1988. English's art offers an alternative universe where nothing is sacred, everything is subverted and there's always room for a little good-natured fun. (See his art work)
GIANCARLO IMPIGLIA - Born in Italy, based in New York since the mid-70's, Impiglia works to depict the fancies and foibles of life in the American fast line. Fascinated by the concept of the "American Dream," he says his painting "underlie our preoccupation to hide reality behind our superficial appearance."
(Impigria's Page)
JIM TWEEDY - A popular artist in his hometown of New Orleans, Tweedy received daily art lessons from his father who was a Walt Disney artist. Mixing his artistic talent and knowledge with his sense of humore, he created the first of many Charlie the RedCat paintings in 1992. Tweedy has painted and sold over 400 original RedCat paintings for well over $1,000. Despite his tremendous success, he remains humble, "My goal is to make people laugh. The biggest kick I get is just seeing people enjoying my paintings."
Original Absente Cocktails:
Absente can be served either mixed with water or the traditional mixture of sugar and water using an Absente spoon. The traditional way to prepare the drink is to slowly pour water over sugar cubes spaced on a slotted Absente spoon and blancing the spoon on a glass containing 1/2 Absente and 1/2 water. And of course here are the original cocktail recipes using Absente.
Absente Frappe
- 2 oz Absnte
- 1/2 oz Anisette
- 4 oz soda water
Fill a highball glass with a mountain of crushed ice and stir.
The Wall Street
- 1 oz Absente
- 2 oz Stoli Vanil
- 3/4 oz Vermouth
Shake the ingredients until freezing cold. And strain into a martini glass and float an orange slice or drop in an orange twist.
Absente is available in major markets around the nationfor $34.99/750ml.
Back to ART OF SPIRITS for more art work
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