BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® announces the Canadian arrival of the brand's highly anticipated artist Special Edition bottle, which pays homage to cultural icon and prolific artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The beautiful collectable shines a light on Basquiat's fearless creativity and their joint mission to make the art world more accessible to all who have a passion for self-expression, a part of the brand's ongoing 'Stir Creativity' platform.
The Special Edition bottle features one of Basquiat's earliest works, his Untitled (L.A Painting). Never before licensed and only displayed to the public once, it is a masterpiece influenced by the surrounding remote environment of Venice Beach, L.A where Basquiat found security and solitude away from the hustle and bustle in New York in 1982. Exhibited in Basquiat's second ever show, the piece features many of the key motifs that are associated with his work: the crown, the bird, the coin and the skull which are all beautifully collaged over soft hues of blue. Through the social commentary behind his graffiti inspired artwork, Jean Michel created a global legacy and has greatly influenced modern and contemporary art.
With a shared mission to inspire and enable creativity in us all, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE and the Basquiat Estate bring to life this special edition bottle, which aims to highlight his fearless creativity and meaningful artistic expression that transcends generations.
"We're thrilled to be launching the special edition bottle in Canada to honour Basquiat's dynamic creativity and offer an entirely new way to experience art," said James Fisher, Senior Brand Manager of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE. "This collaboration was born from a shared mission to shine a light on the arts and inspire creative self-expression within everyone. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is leading a global charge to stir creativity - a call to arms for everyone to unlock their creative potential."
Like Basquiat and his sisters, Jeanine Heriveaux and Lisane Basquiat, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE constantly strives to foster creative self-expression and open alternative pathways to champion equal representation in the arts.
"We are excited to collaborate with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE to share Jean-Michel's work with those passionate about his art, life, and journey," said Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux of the Basquiat Estate.
Recognized as the ultimate canvas for cocktail creativity that inspires bartenders and drinkers to experiment with flavour and versatility, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE and the Basquiat Estate have created a signature cocktail – the "King Meets Queen". Inspired by Basquiat's sharp colours, stark lines and stabbing contrast, this cocktail is made to stand out and shine next to the Special-Edition bottle this February and beyond, as an ode to Basquiat's constant curiosity.
The BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Jean-Michel Basquiat Special Edition bottle is available at select retailers across Canada.
SIZE: 750 ML
SRP: $30.50 (price may vary by province)
ABV: 40%
ON SHELVES: February 2023, in select provinces
LINK FOR PURCHASE: HERE
The Official Cocktail of the Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure©
1.5 oz BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin
0.5 oz Real Pineapple Puree
0.5 oz Lemon juice
0.5 oz Honey syrup 1:1
5 oz Fever-Tree Premium Tonic
METHOD: Build ingredients in balloon glass with fresh cold draft ice. Garnish with two pineapple top leaves and a few slices of jalapeno (or other pepper) in the drink.