June 11th –15th, 2013 Better Days Galerie at Volkshaus Verwaltung und Saalvermietung Stauffacherstrasse 60 8004 Zürich
Absolut Art Bureau have just opened ‘Better Days’ with artist Mickalene Thomas a large-scale art bar at Art Basel.
The ambitious installation, Better Days, transforms 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’ mother in the late ‘70s.
There is also 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.
“We are thrilled with Mickalene Thomas’s 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
More About The Bar:
Mickalene Thomas has transformed 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 EVENING PROGRAMME
Wednesday: Solange Knowles
Thursday: Jasmine Kara
Friday: Sarah Reid
Saturday: Raunchy Rawhide Chicken, Mickalene Thomas
Better Days
Better Days is open daily from June 11 – 15, 2013, from 6pm – 1am, and serves bespoke ABSOLUT cocktails designed by Mickalene Thomas. Located at the Galerie, Volkshaus, Rebgasse 12, Better Days is in close proximity to Art Basel’s exhibition halls. Entry is free, however, occasional restrictions on access will apply during private VIP events. Please note that the capacity of Better Days is limited, so a guestlist policy may be in effect during busy periods. Guests 18 years and older are welcome.
About The Artist
Mickalene Thomas is a multi-media artist best-known for her elaborate acrylic and enamel paintings with rhinestones. The African-American women in her provocative images are recast in the nostalgic glamour of her ‘70s childhood, in settings reminiscent of the odalisque from the 19th century paintings, and the film genre Blaxploitation. Much of Thomas’s work explores conventional definitions of beauty, informed and inspired by her study of art history. Her paintings are influenced ?by a variety of iconic sources, from Edouard Manet and Henri Matisse to Romare Bearden and the 19th century Hudson River School, as well as Pop Art.
