The New Hennessy V.S Limited Edition Collaboration
Hennessy hit Miami in grand style yesterday celebrating their collaboration with Modern Art Icon Ryan McGinness at the Ultra Luxurious FIFTY atop the Viceroy.
Hennessy V.S launched the fifth edition of the brand’s Limited Edition bottle series unveiling a new design created by critically acclaimed American multi-disciplinary artist, Ryan McGinness.
The day began at the Viceroy Hotel where he held court during the roundtable discussion with local media including Issey Swann from Live Trading News and L’Etage Magazine’s Sabrina Boasman.
Issey Swann did get a few Brief words with the artist, Ryan McGinness said the works were in part inspired by his ‘Black Hole’ series from 2008 that coincidentally worked perfectly in the nightclub environment with the fluorescent ink.
Ryan welcomed the challenge of working within the corporate environment, while recognizing the constraints of commercial art he enjoyed the experience but did find Art and Commercial Art to be mutually exclusive.
Ryan took a year to conceptualize, experiment and refine his Hennessy label, the works are digital so there is no original.
Issey Swann also managed to ask about one of my favorite works, Re-elect Skull & Bonesthe artist expressed his disappointment in the politicians of the USA and their inability to make real social change due to the vested interests of higher powers.
The conversation carried into lunch were guest were treated to a family style meal of spinach salad, short rib empandas, mahi ceviche, moho marinated chicken breast and the Hennessy V.S Infiniti cocktail.
Following the luncheon a private signing was held at Total Wine & more were fans gathered to get their limited edition bottles signed (mine haass now been added to our Art Collection and not put in the Bar). As guest entered the store they were met with visually stunning blown up photos of Ryan in Cognac, France, case displays and tunes by DJ Ivory.
Fortunately as the day ended I made it to the after party for the Limited Edition launch at FIFTY Lounge and met the man himself.
Continuing a legacy of artistic collaboration that spans centuries, Hennessy welcomes Ryan McGinness as the designer of the new Hennessy V.S Limited Edition bottle. The fifth in a series that has included world-renowned artist Ryan McGinness’ take on the iconic Hennessy V.S label has distinctive features that illuminate under black-light.
Elements, Compounds, & Mixtures
The collaboration is a perfect embodiment of Hennessy’s 250 years of dedication to the Art of Blending. McGinness himself acknowledges the strong parallels between his artistic process and the creation of Hennessy Cognacs: “My language of Elements, Compounds and Mixtures can easily be applied to the world of Hennessy, with grapes, eaux-de-vie, and blends. Both of our trades involve this creative transformation process…” The collaboration also expresses the shared values associated with the process — to select original ingredients with care, and to mix them together in a singular and elegant way.
Ryan McGinness
Based in New York City, McGinness works in multiple mediums, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, prints, books, products, and installations. Known for using the visual language of public signage and contemporary symbology, he is credited with elevating the status of the icon to fine art. His works have been exhibited in museums around the world, including MOMA NYC, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, MUSAC Spain, and the Misumi Collection, Japan.
