From 1990 - 1993, Michel Roux, then president and CEO of Absolut Vodka, used the talents of Marcia G. Yerman in numerous projects.

Ms. Yerman was commissioned to contribute a painting to the Absolut Artists of the Nineties ad campaign.

In addition to designing a scarf and a tie for the Absolut label, Ms.Yerman also created a series of limited edition fine art gifts for Mr. Roux. Included were handmade bracelets and earrings, handpainted ceramic plates, and a signed edition of an accordion artist's book housed in a wooden box.

ABSOLUT ARTIST'S BOOK
"This book is really cool!! The description as stated on a note attached to the package "This artist's book depicting symbols of ABSOLUT VODKA is printed on Japanese Okawara paper in a limited edition of 50. It is mounted on Rives BFK, and is housed in a handmade and hand painted wooden box. Each book is signed and numbered by the artist, Marcia G. Yerman." This is really hard to describe, but the wooden box, painted by Yerman with 24 boxes on the front, alternating a letter in "Absolut Vodka" and a drawing of a bottle, and the box is about 6 inches tall and about 1 inch deep. Inside is a fold out with 7 different Absolut images in full color artwork (the bottle, Lars caricature, Sweden map, wheat, peppers, lemons, and the date 1879). The back of the book is signed and numbered. Not many of these were ever made and even fewer were ever given out so this is quite a special piece. "

From the Absolut Collectors Society's Newsletter Archives

Museo Drive
By Mila Andre

This show's Absolut proof that art & commerce can mix

Who'd have thought that when Andy Warhol designed an ad for Absolut vodka in 1986, it would start a trend that continues to this day? From caricaturist Al Hirschfeld to lensman Helmut Newton to designer Gianni Versace, artists of every persuasion have helped spread Absolut's message. In turn, the Swedish company's magazine ads have become collector's items to be framed - even traded.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary in the United States, Absolut has taken over Grand Central Station's Vanderbilt Hall to mount an exhibition of almost 100 original works - paintings, photos, fashions, jewelry and a neon Nam Jun Paik - brandishing the Absolut name in one way or another. On view through Tuesday, all the works were commissioned by Absolut for its advertising campaigns and are part of its permanent collection, housed in a Manhattan warehouse.

So even if you don't have to catch the 5:09 to Mount Kisco, go to Grand Central and feast your eyes on the original acrylic and silkscreen Warhol; Dakota Jackson's Absolut bottle-shaped therapy bench and Gary Mirabelle's "Rock Climber." The late Keith Haring, Marcia G. Yerman, Donald Sultan and many other artists are also represented.

And be sure to check out the various dresses by Versace, with the word Absolut either going up a sleeve or around a skirt bottom or as part of the fabric itself. There's even a purse in the shape of the vodka bottle. Salut!

From the DAILY NEWS
Friday, June 9, 2000