How does one build a bunker in the sky? Inspired by Science Fiction flicks such as a Clockwork Orange, Dune, and Alien and philosophical ideas which brilliantly move the mind into alternate paradigms of thought and possibilities, Hong Kong based artist, Nadim Abbas in collaboration with Absolut, has successfully constructed a place of refuge by building a kick ASS bar to coincide with this year’s Art Basel Hong Kong. His Art Bar, Apocalypse Postponed, investigates areas beyond rudimentary contemporary art-related topics. Intrigued by bunkers, war and technology, these interest areas are inherently reflected in all aspects of this unique Art Bar collaboration. FAD received the rare chance to meet with this exclusive genius at this years Armory show in NYC. Sitting down in the midst of the bustling fair, we asked him a few questions concerning the overall construction of Apolcalypse Postponed which is now ALIVE and kicking in Hong Kong so read on to learn more…
Can you speak more about the title- Apocalyspe Postponed?
The title came very spontaneously. I am very intrigued by bunkers and wanted to challenge myself with trying to imagine how I could transform a location of this size, grandeur and site specific circumstances into an alternate universe which provokes thoughts of refuge. The title itself, addresses this classical question: What is the difference between the inside and the outside? And the bunker is just a way at how we look at this idea, thus relating to this very dystopian idea. So much of what I am doing is contributing my ideas for the space, and staying in line as much as we can with the title.
How much freedom has Absolut Vodka given you and what was your first reaction when you were approached by them?
I was approached by Absolut right after Adrian Wong pulled off “A complete miracle” at last year’s Art Basel Hong Kong, I thought about it for a while because of course when you get approached from someone commercial you have to make sure that the project itself is interesting- it has to be a project which pushes limits and I think that Absolut is very conscious of this. I really respect how Absolut is constantly attempting to participate and reach out to artists or programs which might seem out of their element and so I eventually jumped at the opportunity. As far as what they wanted from my end- the only criteria was a very basic design brief. They have given me ‘absolute’ freedom and have supported my work and all my executive decisions pertaining to the final constructions of the bar in all of the right ways, and it has been a true pleasure working with them.
What is the connection with a Clockwork Orange?
The message which is conveyed in A Clockwork Orange is a film which is framed by many cinematic elements. It is not reality, and instead investigates ideas of parallel realities. I must say that the word reality is a shaky word to begin with, bounded by a certain context, and I guess I am toying with these ideals through Apocalypse Postponed.
There are many elements to this particular project including, drinks, music, and architectural design, how many other people have been involved with the overall construction of the bar?
The whole project is collaborative- first beginning with absolute. Usually I work alone. But, for this project I envisioned many different components that I knew I would not be able to do on my own, so I basically conjured a relevant team with various people from very distinct fields whom are all based in Hong Kong. For the architectural part I have been working very closely with an architect whom I specifically chose because I felt like he could propose ideas and perspectives which I could never think of, thus really taking the project to another level.
I have also been working closely with a professional mixologist for the drinks which will be served at the bar. We have been collaborating on many different drink recipes which someone might find if they were to go on the moon, for example. And he has been so brilliant with understanding my imagination. All I have to do is give him some crazy possible idea and he makes it into a drink- it’s awesome!
Additionally I recruited an extremely talented composer to the team, with aims to produce a sort of sonic composition which will weave into the transient elements of the space, thus further contributing to the scientific and abstract interpretations this bar is somewhat attempting to facilitate. All of this collaboration has made me feel like a director and I suppose this also ties into the cinematic aspects which are found in fantasy driven movies such as A Clockwork Orange, Dune or Alien.
What kind of overall feelings do you wish people to have in the post apocalyptic world you have constructed?
I am very aware that you cannot force people to feel a certain way, but I do know that I can help influence thought and feeling through my art work. I am really just playing around with ideas of space, and exploring the potentials associated with parallel realities. At the end of the day, I just want people to have fun, grab a unique drink, listen to some hypnotic music, and ultimately enjoy and also explore these alternate paradigms with me.
So if you happen to be in Hong Kong this weekend- you should def grab a drink and immerse yourself in some contemplative conversation in this righteous haven in the sky. If you can’t catch the next flight to Hong Kong, peep this video…
To know more about Nadim Abbas go HERE
To know more about Art Basel Hong Kong go HERE
Photo: Roberto Chamorro
Courtesy: Absolut
