Hennessy takes its In the Paint initiative national by unveiling a new artistic basketball court by contemporary Artist Sphephelo Mnguni.

French cognac house Hennessy deepens its homage to South African arts and culture with the latest instalment of In The Paint, unveiled on Florida Road in Durban earlier this month.

This is Hennessy’s third In the Paint installation in South Africa. The first two courts were unveiled in Johannesburg at Zoo Lake with artist R!OT (Sindiso Nyoni) and at Ernest Oppenheimer Park with artist African Ginger (Seth Pimentel).

For the latest instalment, Hennessy partnered with local contemporary artist Sphephelo Mnguni to bring his artistic vision to life, inspired by the unique culture of Durban, its sense of community and how it unites individuals from all walks of life. 

“To me, this piece represents pride, bravery, and Ubuntu. While the leopard print represents the Zulu culture, the blue background depicts the city of Durban — a place that heralds a new age of style, innovation, and creativity. The imagery is my idea of how the game of basketball and the culture that surrounds it blend together,” said Mnguni.

Known for its constant buzz, Florida Road was the perfect location for Hennessy to expand its In The Paint project outside of Gauteng. The programme, launched in 2021 in Montreal, Canada, is an initiative that aims to bring basketball and the culture born off the court to local communities worldwide.

David White, the General Manager Southern Africa and Marketing Director of Moët Hennessy, expressed his excitement around the unveiling, stating, “This is not just a basketball court, it’s a creative canvas that tells Hennessy’s story of bringing together the SPIRIT of basketball with urban culture IN A uniquely Durban setting. We are delighted to be moving beyond Johannesburg for the first time with this court – hopefully the first of many more nationwide.” | hennessy.com

Looking for more local art? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here.

The post Hennessy Unveils Durban’s First In the Paint Court appeared first on Visi.

Muse of Tupac’s aughts anthem and legacy brand of the hip-hop world at large, French cognac house Hennessy deepens its homage to South African arts and culture with the latest instalment of “In The Paint”: African Ginger’s refurb of the Ernest Oppenheimer Court in Joburg.

The project sees art and play fuse in the CBD to honour 3v3 basketball and the cultural life that thrives on and off the court. Beyond the court restoration, the new paint job by acclaimed local visual artist Seth Pimentel, known as African Ginger (@african_ginger), reflects the historic half-court’s life as a link for spitting cyphers and playing ball.

Hailing from the city himself, Seth’s design reflects stories of the CBD and its people. His characteristic neo-expressionist style fittingly narrates the energy and emotion of basketball: soft-but-bold line expressionism signifies the “Game Never Stops”.

READ MORE: Q&A: FaithXLVII on Hennessy Very Special Collab.

Seth adds, “This collaboration with Hennessy has allowed me to share untold stories through art. It showcases the spirit of our people and is a tribute to the past while serving as a beacon of hope for the future.”

“In the Paint” is a collab between Hennessy and America’s National Basketball Association (NBA), an initiative that renovates local community basketball courts around the world. The Oppenheimer Court follows last year’s revamp of Johannesburg’s iconic Zoo Lake court by renowned Zimbabwean-born Sindiso Nyoni.

Looking for more local art? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here.

The post In the Paint: Hennessy Collaborates with NBA X African Ginger to Refurb Oppenheimer Court appeared first on Visi.

A classic of liquor cabinets and Snoop Dogg songs, Hennessy is branching out with a new collab that takes in art and basketball.

French Cognac house Hennessy is much loved in the hip-hop world, but in recent years, it has also become known as a patron of urban art. The spirit’s Very Special Limited-edition Series is a case in point: for the partnership, a global mix of well-known urban artists designed bottles and murals. And since Joburg already boasts three of these large-scale artworks, it’s apt that the city is the scene of Hennessy’s latest creative stunt.

READ MORE: Cool Collaboration: Gucci X Cinthia Sfia Mulanga

“In the Paint” is a collaboration between Hennessy and America’s National Basketball Association (NBA) – the second instalment in a multi-part worldwide project. Through the revitalisation and beautification of basketball courts, Hennessy and the NBA aim to bring communities together, highlight the spirit of basketball and support local artists.

For the Joburg leg of the project, Zimbabwean-born graphic artist Sindiso Nyoni (also known as R!OT) lit up Zoo Lake’s public basketball court with an earthy explosion of colour that features a sun at its centre. Symbolising the warmth of the African continent, it is surrounded by ripple patterns that signify the Charente river in France’s Cognac region. (Cognac barrels were historically transported along it.) The artist also incorporated the “Bras Armé” logo that’s synonymous with Hennessy, subtly redesigning it to include a basketball. In his work, R!OT takes inspiration from the indigenous craft techniques of southern Africa; and of the court, he says, “It’s a beautiful ode to Africa.”

It’s also a great example of a public-private initiative that works – and driving past the court in the afternoons and seeing locals shooting hoops on R!OT’s masterpiece shows its success in action.

Looking for more art inspiration? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here.

The post In The Paint: Hennessy Collaborates with The NBA appeared first on Visi.

The 2021 Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Limited Edition by Refik Anadol is a journey through gene memories and dreams with artwork inspired by electroencephalogram sensorial data collected from Tasting Committee members as they evaluated a selection of eaux-de-vie.

Acclaimed media artist and director Refik Anadol travelled to Cognac, France to observe the Tasting Committee at work. This was the first time in Maison’s history that an artist was allowed to capture the time-honoured ritual via neuroscientific research methods, and to use the collected data in collaboration with machine intelligence to create a wholly unique piece of art.

Refik outfitted Master Blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde and his colleagues in a specialised electroencephalogram (EEG) and tracked their physiology – evidence of emotions, experiences and sensations – as they evaluated a selection of eaux-de-vie destined for Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège. Considering the ritual has remained unchanged for generations, Refik describes his EEG readings as a merger of past and present, “a near-future experience, in real-time.”

“Emotion lives in the senses, on the skin, in the heart, and in the mind – and with this hypersensitive equipment, we are able to trace everything, down to the movement of the glass,” Refik explains. “You can see heritage and savoir-faire become visible and observe how the material actually becomes the wisdom.”

Back in his California studio, Refik and his team filtered and analysed the true data – two centuries’ worth of living memory – and transformed it into pigments and light. The result? A harmonious dialogue, an “architecture of memory”, that was remarkably consistent across each member of the Tasting Committee at a specific point in time.

The 2021 Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Limited Edition will be available in Makro stores nationwide from 1 November 2021. 

Love this design? Check out our Q&A with multidisciplinary street and studio artist FaithXLVII on her collaboration with Hennessy Very Special here.

The post Cool Collab: Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège X Refik Anadol appeared first on Visi.

Multidisciplinary street and studio artist FaithXLVII speaks to VISI about her work processes and her conceptual collaboration with Hennessy Very Special.

During the decade of artistic collaborations within the Hennessy Very Special Limited Edition series, Hennessy has partnered with some of the art world’s leading visionaries. In 2020, original artwork by Faith XLVII marks the 10th annual collaboration, welcoming her into an interconnected global community that includes Felipe Pantone, Vhils, Shepard Fairey and Futura.

Your evocative works are seen around the globe, with your street-art pieces holding a strong social commentary and meaning. Is this theme extending to your studio work and your transition into fine art?

The works always flow over into one another and inform each other. Often there will be one theme that flows over from public work to a new media work to a painting, and references and links between them. Next year at my solo show in Cape Town, the works will be in different mediums.

I’ve done a whole series on the streets of Johannesburg connected to that show. I like the feeling of being able to be quite expansive and explorative.

What is it like to be the first female voice in the Hennessy collaboration – especially after being a woman artist in a scene dominated by men?

It’s important for a woman to step into that space, and I’m honoured to be that woman. The lineage of artists who have collaborated with Hennessy before me includes people I deeply admire and respect. I’m happy to come into that fold. Hennessy chooses its artists as part of a mutual understanding and respect for the artistic process. There is a lot of creative freedom and trust.

I’ve incorporated a lot of respect for the natural world into my design, the understanding of Hennessy’s processes and how it’s affected by the seasonal changes – how time is vital for the creation of the product. Hennessy has been using the same processes for 250 years; it’s quite a hands on, crafted procedure. We want to keep the craftsmanship, connecting to my works by revering nature, and connecting to the cycles of time and planetary phases.

The work is also inspired by the metaphor of the alchemical processes, and old Eastern and Western sundials. It felt like a very natural progression.

Collaboration is important in art. What have you learnt from joining forces with Hennessy on this project?

My 2019 Design Indaba talk was about collaboration, and how, when I collaborate, it’s a very specific and personal interaction. We’re learning from each other. Often, collaboration happens with someone from a different field of work, so we create something neither of us could do alone.

Some of my favourite collaborations have been with South Africans: Inka Kendzia, Lyall Sprong, Dane Dodds, Imraan Christian and Simon Rademeyer. Finding meaningful connections to create new things while learning is important to me. My artistic journey isn’t just about creating work – it’s about being alive, and the living process of community.

For more information, visit faith47.com.

The post Q&A: FaithXLVII on Hennessy Very Special Collab appeared first on Visi.

From paper sculptures and a new outdoor furniture collection from Woodbender to an interactive LED art installation in Woodstock, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 348.

1. Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn’s Geometric Rug

Baltimore-based artist duo Jessie Unterhalter and Katy Truhn have created a large-scale artwork at the Appalachian State University. Resembling a gigantic carpet that runs along a three-level staircase, the duo’s kaleidoscopic work features bright, vibrant patterns inspired by Appalachian textiles.

Image credit: jessieandkatey.com via mymodernmet.com

2. Woodbender’s Chalbi Collection

Local bentwood furniture brand Woodbender has released a new outdoor furniture collection, entitled Chalbi. Made from sustainably sourced wood, the pieces in the weather-proof range include a dining table, chairs, benches, two-seaters, tub chairs, a coffee table, a bar table, and bar stools.

Images courtesy of Woodbender

3. We See Change LED Billboard

An interactive collaboration between David Brits, interactive design studio Thingking and architecture firm theMAAK sees a large 12-metre LED public sculpture erected in Woodstock, encouraging locals and passersby to send messages that promote tangible change. People are encouraged to participate by sending their thoughts through via WhatsApp, text or through the website weseechange.co.za.

Images courtesy of David Brits

4. FaithXLVII x Hennessy

Multidisciplinary street and studio artist FaithXLVII has collaborated with Hennessy on a limited-edition Very Special bottle, featuring her distinctive work on the packaging and label. The original artwork by Faith XLVII marks the 10th Hennessy Very Special collaboration, which have previously included the likes of Felipe Pantone, Vhils, Shepard Fairey and Futura.

Image and video courtesy of Hennessy

5. Daniel A du Preez’s Paper Sculptures

Local paper artist Daniel A du Preez creates 3D artworks using layers of paper. With a single sheet of paper board, Daniel measures, sketches and cuts a design before repeating the process on different sheets of colourful paper, gradually reducing the design in size and shape.

Images courtesy of Daniel A du Preez

Find more like VISI Picks of the week series – week 348 here.

The post VISI Picks of the Week Series – Week 348 appeared first on Visi.

From tape that allows your LEGO playtime to defy gravity and little moccasins for little feet to the prettiest purple Hennessy bottle you’ll ever see, here are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 173.

1. Nimuno Loops Toy Block Tape

“Two Cape Peninsula University of Technology graduates came up with this clever idea that’s gone viral – and quick,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “The adhesive tape allows you to build around corners and on curved surfaces and is compatible with LEGO. They had an $8 000 goal – they now have over $1 million pledged. What an achievement!”

Image credit: boredpanda.com Video credit: GIGadgets

2. Lunar Tawulo Towels

“The new Lunar Tawulo line from Mungo Design is inspired by historical weavers in West Africa,” says Assistant Editor Tracy Greenwood. “Because they’re handmade, no two towels are the same – and I love the muted palette.”

Image credit: mungo.co.za

3. Lario Vanity From Victorian Bathrooms

“The Lario Vanity, a stylish, retro bathroom centrepiece from Victorian Bathrooms, really caught my eye this week,” says Acting Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “Better still, it has lots of storage space.”

Image credit: victorianbathrooms.co.za

4. Running Bear Moccasins

“How cute?!” says Features Writer Amelia Brown.” These little moccasins are handmade with the highest quality leather and designed by Lisa K.”

Image credit: runningbear.co.za

5. Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Limited Edition: Carnovsky

“Just when I thought my favourite cognac couldn’t get any better, Milan-based artistic duo, Carnovsky, collaborated with Hennessy to bring fans this awesome design inspired by the fundamental elements of cognac making – sun, earth, grapes, and water,” explains Freelance Content Producer Cheri Morris. “I just love the burst of technicolour.”

Image credit: hennessy.com

For more picks like VISI picks of the week series – week 173 here.

The post VISI Picks of the Week Series – Week 173 appeared first on Visi.

Virtuoso tattoo artist Scott Campbell has collaborated with Hennessy on the design of the latest Very Special Limited Edition 2016 bottle.

Highly acclaimed not only for his work on skin but also his skilled watercolour painting, graphite drawings and sculptures, Scott’s design for the latest edition of Hennessy’s ongoing series of urban artist collaborations features a one-of-a-kind blend of “tattoo magic” and the multi-sensorial appreciation of Hennessy.

Scott travelled to the home of Hennessy in Cognac, France to experience first hand the creative penmanship of James Hennessy – the second generation visionary and traveller – to get a sense of his personal and artistic style by perusing his notes, drawings and journal.

The design is based on a pair of wings that are symbolic of travel and freedom. It also features intricately decorative elements incorporating Hennessy Very Special’s iconic three stars and a silver and black motif. Emblazoned on the label is the quote “Love without hesitation”, which speaks directly to Hennessy’s motto that strives to encourage one to push personal limits: “Never stop. Never settle.”

Scott’s style embodies a picturesque combination of ancient cursive with a modern execution, serving as a visual metaphor for how Hennessy honours their own craft as purveyors of fine cognac.

Hennessy Very Special Limited Edition is available from select retailers for R399.95 (750ml). For more information, visit hennessy.com.

The post Bottle Design: Hennessy Very Special Limited Edition By Scott Campbell appeared first on Visi.

From Shepard Fairey to KAWS, Hennessy is well known for its collaborations with international artists and designers when it comes to their Very Special Limited Edition series.

The fifth – and latest – Very Special Limited Edition, which happens to fall in Hennessy’s 250^th year, was designed in conjunction with famed US artist Ryan McGinness. Ryan’s work has been exhibited in some of the world’s most prestigious art museums and galleries, from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City to MUSAC in Spain.

The design is focused on an extension of Ryan’s pattern-driven Black Holes series. For Hennessy, Ryan “wanted the colour palette and overall design to be very bright and colourful, and for these colours to radiate from the centre.”

The Hennessy Very Special Limited Edition by Ryan McGinness (750ml) retails at R379.95 and is available at selected liquor stores nationwide. For more information, visit hennessy.com.

The post Hennessy X Ryan McGinness appeared first on Visi.

Hennessy, the world’s largest cognac producer, is celebrating its 250^th anniversary in 2015. To mark this occasion, they have launched the Hennessy 250 Tour, a major travelling exhibition curated by Hervé Mikaeloff, art advisor to the LVMH group, which owns Hennessy, Moët and Louis Vuitton.

The line-up features internationally renowned artists, photographers, filmmakers and designers. The exhibition will be shown in four cities around the world: Guangzhou, Moscow, New York and Joburg. The Joburg leg of the tour will also include work by South African artist Dineo Bopape, whose work has shown in major national and international exhibitions. She is a 2007 graduate of De Ateliers in Amsterdam and in 2010 she completed a MFA at Columbia University in New York. She was also the winner of the 2008 MTN New Contemporaries Award and the recipient of a 2010 Columbia University Toby Fund Award.

We caught up with Dineo to chat about her practice and what we can expect to see from her during the Hennessy 250 Tour.

What is the driving philosophy behind your work?

My work is primarily concerned with the subject of memory. I think that in the times that we live in, it’s a particularly important subject. We have to understand the past and how we relate to it.

How do you express that in your work?

Mainly through video installations, where I work with objects in relation to each other, and also through the relationship between sound and visuals.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working towards an exhibition which will be shown at the Hayward Gallery Project Space in London. It’s made up of three existing works, to which I’ll be adding a mechanical video sculpture.

What can we expect from you during the Hennessy 250 Tour?

They’ve commissioned a video work, which we shot in The Cradle of Humankind. It continues my work in dealing with memory.

It’s often easy to miss out on a lot of detail when it comes to video art. Anything attendees should be on the lookout for?

There’s quite a lot, but I can highlight a couple of things. Structurally, the beginning of the video incorporates the end, so if one looks closely, there are bubbles within the video playing the entire video in reverse. Hennessy asked that the video not have sound, so I’ve added text from liberation songs scrolling across the screen. If one knows the songs, they function as a silent soundtrack to the video. Also expect to see Robert Sobukwe’s eyes featuring prominently.

The Hennessy 250 Tour will be hosted at Circa Gallery in Joburg from 20 – 25 August 2015. For more info, visit hennessy.com. To view more of Dineo’s work, visit seshee.blogspot.com.

The post Artists We Love: Dineo Bopape appeared first on Visi.