Bombay Sapphire collaborates with Chicago artist Hebru Brantley
Bombay Sapphire launches its first artist-designed bottle to support Black Lives Matter Chicago
Bombay sapphire, a premium gin by volume and value, has announced its collaboration with contemporary Chicago artist Hebru Brantley to launch its first artist-designed bottle in North America.
As an extension of Stir Creativity, Bombay Sapphire's global platform, Hebru Brantley's new limited edition bottle embodies the brand's mission to inspire and awaken everyone's creative potential. The launch of the Hebru Brantley Limited Edition benefits the Chicago chapter of Black Lives Matter.
Brantley's bottle design draws inspiration from his early passion for street art and shows various afro-futuristic motifs as an extension of his narrative work. Brantley, recognized as one of the preeminent black artists at the forefront of culture, has received international acclaim for his public works and solo exhibitions over the past decade, and is sought by a list of A-List clients such as Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz . George Lucas, LeBron James and more.
Brantley's latest project, Nevermore Park, turned his former Chicago studio into an imaginative pop-up art experience that drew tens of thousands of visitors from around the world. The artist continues to channel his work on new, unexpected canvases and, in collaboration with Bombay Sapphire, has created a design for the legendary gin bottle.
"We are honored that our first artist release is at Hebru Brantley, whose work we have long admired and supported," said Tom Spaven, Brand Director for Bombay Sapphire Gin in North America.
“Bombay Sapphire has always advocated equal representation in the arts, and it was extremely important to us that we make this donation to support the black community. Art has the power to make changes, but this is only a small step. We are aware that we can and will take longer-term initiatives to promote marginalized voices in the creative arts – a mission that has never been as critical as it is now. "
The longstanding relationship between Bombay Sapphire and Hebru Brantley was established in 2011 when Brantley qualified as an aspiring artist as a finalist for the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series – a nationwide search for the next big names in visual arts with a focus on promoting emerging talent and undiscovered voices .
As part of the award, Brantley's work was featured at the Scope Art Fair the following year to bring his work into the global art scene and attract the attention of major brands and cultural icons, including hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, one bought his pieces – a testament to the extraordinary talent that became known through the brand's annual competition for emerging arts.
“It can be critical if an established global brand like Bombay Sapphire believes in emerging artists and invests in them at the beginning of their careers. My relationship with Bombay Sapphire started almost a decade ago with the Artisan Series, which played a role in starting my career, ”says Brantley.
“Now the circle is complete with my reinterpretation of the legendary Bombay Sapphire bottle, which is an extension of my submission for the Artisan series. When you create something unique, you want it to inspire hope for a better future and illuminate the courage and resilience of blacks in America. It just felt right that Bombay Sapphire and I could do this together to help Black Lives Matter Chicago and support the critical work they are doing in the fight for racial justice in my hometown. "
