BETTER DAYS

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“We are thrilled with Mickalene Thomas’ plans for Better Days. She has developed an incredibly ambitious and immersive concept. From celebrity guest DJs spinning ‘70s classics to a bespoke range of punches and cocktails, Better Days will give visitors a truly unique experience.”

Jonas Tåhlin, Vice President Marketing, The Absolut Company

 

ABSOLUT ART BUREAU at ART BASEL

Absolut Art Bureau, the unit within The Absolut Company responsible for global art initiatives, is pleased to announce a collaboration with Brooklyn-based artist Mickalene Thomas on a large-scale art bar installation that will be in operation during Art Basel’s show in Basel (June 13 – 16, 2013).

The ambitious installation, Better Days, will transform the Galerie at Volkshaus, in downtown Basel, into an immersive art experience for the duration of the show. It is inspired by a theatrical play ‘Put a Little Sugar in my Bowl’ and parties hosted by Thomas’s mother in the late ‘70s.

Better Days will present a nightly programme curated by Mickalene Thomas, including live performances and appearances by guest DJs. The bar will serve bespoke ABSOLUT cocktails designed by the artist in keeping with the installation’s theme.

BETTER DAYS: AN ART BAR INSTALLATION BY MICKALENE THOMAS

Mickalene Thomas will transform the Galerie at Volkshaus, Basel into an apartment environment that takes its inspiration from the parties hosted by her mother and long-time muse in the late ‘70s.

Better Days is Mickalene Thomas’s literal and conceptual reconstruction of the 1970s domestic aesthetic, complete with faux wood panelling and wallpaper as well as custom sofas reupholstered with the artist’s signature textiles. Each evening, Thomas will introduce guest and resident DJ performers, including DJ YSL, Derrick Adams and Simon de Pury, who will emulate the disco soundtracks of her mother’s parties. Among the guest performers will be local jazz musicians, as well as Solange Knowles, the internationally-renowned recording artist who has collaborated with Thomas on several recent creative projects.

 

Better Days
June 11–15, 2013 Open Daily 5pm–2am
The Galerie at Volkshaus, Rebgasse 12, Basel


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BETTER DAYS at ABSOLUT ART BUREAU