Meet the Contemporary Artists Featured in 'Absolut Warhol: The Other Half Exhibition '

The Absolut x Warhol: The Other Half showcase will debut at London's Saatchi Gallery on October 4. In partnership with the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Absolut Vodka has selected five artists to create original artworks inspired by Andy Warhol’s Absolut 'blue'. Rediscovered in 2020, the artwork continues the artist's collaboration with Absolut, dating back to the brand's 1985 Absolut Art campaign. Providing a platform for diverse voices, the Absolut x Warhol: The Other Half initiative spotlights a new generation of creators alongside Warhol, who challenge artistic norms and transcend cultural boundaries through their unique expressions.

In partnership with Absolut Vodka, Hypebae selected five artists, illustrator Kelly Anna, multidisciplinary artist Ken Nwadiogbu, fashion designer and illustrator Jade Pearl, London-based artist Xu Yang and co-founder of 3D design practice XK, Alexa Sirbu, to explore the ethos behind Absolut Vodka's initiative and its mission to uplift practicing creatives within fine art and beyond. Celebrating these visionary artists, the Saatchi Gallery showcase will pay homage to Warhol's Absolut 'blue' painting while building upon its legacy through a contemporary lens.

Continue reading down below to learn more about each artist, their impact on London’s arts scene and more.

Kelly Anna

Before Kelly Anna launched a career in illustration and design, she was a gymnast and dancer who channeled her creative energy through dynamic movement. With a background in fashion illustration and print design, Anna’s work has traversed the realms of footwear and apparel, honing a strong visual language tied to sports culture. Notable collaborations with BMW, Nike, Penguin and the NFL have cemented her legacy in the arts. This year, Anna created a bespoke installation celebrating the UEFA Champions League final, a one-of-a-kind sensory experience dedicated to the cities in the Champions League. Between her murals and eye-catching print designs — worn by the likes of Beyonce and Justin Timberlake — Anna brings new life to the colorful world of illustration.

Ken Nwadiogbu

Based in London, Ken Nwadiogbu is a Nigerian multidisciplinary artist renowned for his approach to surrealist art. Originally trained as a civil engineer, Nwadiogbu eventually gravitated to fine art, developing his signature hyper-realistic charcoal drawings. In 2019, Nwadiogbu was awarded the The Future Awards Africa, commemorating his contribution to the Nigerian arts community through works exploring identity, socio-political power dynamics and displacement. Investing back into his community, the artist champions youth access to the arts and, through his highly detailed illustrations, invites thought-provoking musings on the human experience and the unifying power of art.

Jade Pearl

Abstract artist and creative designer Jade Pearl first rose to prominence as a model, becoming the first Black model for boohoo. After graduating from UAL Chelsea College of Arts in 2017 with a degree in Textile Design, her love of fashion flourished, propelling her to launch the sustainable FORESEA collection, with many of the pieces crafted from seaweed yarn and recycled plastics. As a conscious creative, Pearl fosters sustainable concepts at the forefront of her work, using recycled fabrics and ethically sourced materials in her production practices.

Xu Yang

Born in Shandong, China, Xu Yang is a London-based artist who explores themes of sexuality, body autonomy and identity through painting, photography and mixed media. Yang’s work celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and facets of queer identity, embracing drag performance, cabaret and theater as extensions of her ethereal worldbuilding. Her work has been exhibited in China, Italy, Spain, the United States and across the UK.

Alexa Sirbu

Alexa Sirbu co-founded the 3D design practice XK alongside Lukas Vojir in 2020. With a focus on hyper-real 3D visuals, the duo draw inspiration from the hyper complexity of nature, think microorganisms, ornate, luscious flowers and weather phenomena. XK has produced highly futuristic visual campaigns for brands like Microsoft, Apple, along with large-scale installations, print ads and more, challenging the relationship between art and technology.

Stay tuned for the Absolut Warhol: The Other Half showcase at London's Saatchi Gallery on October 4. Read more about Absolut Vodka’s involvement in the arts here.

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