Creating art for Cognac

The Star

a day ago

Remy Martin has worked with acclaimed artist Anish Kapoor on a limited-edition Rémy Martin XO decanter. — Handout
THE House of Remy Martin recently unveiled an exceptional collaboration with internationally renowned contemporary artist Anish Kapoor, with a limited-edition Remy Martin XO decanter and an exclusive artwork.
The Remy Martin XO x Anish Kapoor limited edition collaboration was launched in Malaysia at an event last month held at Private Chamber, Starhill Gallery, KL. Only 480 units of the limited edition are available here in Malaysia, and it retails for RM 1,049.00.
Best known for large-scale sculptures like Chicago's 'Cloud Gate' (aka 'The Bean'), 'Descension', and 'Dismemberment Site', Kapoor is recognised as one of the world's leading contemporary artists.
Kapoor sensed from the beginning that the Remy Martin project would be one that 'refers to my history'.
'My father used to drink it when I was a boy in India, and I carried that with me.' he says.
Starting with the iconic Remy Martin XO decanter, Kapoor reimagined it as a minimalist curve with a concave centre in glowing amber tones.
He revisited the original glass mold to form a smooth front surface that fuses with the classic scooped design on the back to amplify its luminous effect, enhance its solar shape, and reflect infinite possibilities.
After 'toying with it' for a while, Kapoor eventually decided on a 'much simpler design'.
The result is a highly collectible limited-edition decanter that is worthy of standing alongside not just the iconic Remy Martin XO decanter, but also some of Kapoor's previous masterpieces.
Featuring a new copper bottle neck and stopper, the decanter is a true work of art. The concave surface of the vast mirror immerses viewers in its dense yet ethereal tones.
These are inspired by all the shades of Remy Martin XO eaux-de-vie – hundreds of hues, ranging from pale gold to dark amber, carefully blended, then patiently aged in French oak casks, browned by time in the darkness of its cellars.
As you move around the work, the colours change, with endless rays of reflections coming to light.
'I had to search for this colour,' explains the artist, 'because it's a liquid and as the light changes, it changes – and the concave mirror captures its reflective qualities.'
Speaking of liquid, Remy Martin XO is truly a spirit befitting a work of art. The House of Remy Martin is well known to be the only major House to craft Cognacs Fine Champagne, which are cognacs made exclusively with grapes from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus, with at least 50% eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne as requested by the AOC (Appellation d'origine controllee – Controlled appellation of origin).
Remy Martin XO is its most iconic expression of the House, and provides the perfect balance of fruit and spice, which gives way to an outstanding sensory experience.
'Remy Martin XO perfectly embodies the heritage and savoir-faire of the Maison,' said Jean-Philippe Hecquet, CEO of the House of Remy Martin.
'It is the ultimate expression of our terroir, offering an exceptionally smooth, full-bodied blend of eaux-de-vie from Grande and Petite Champagne that gradually releases a wealth of harmonious aromas. Its opulent radiance paired with the timeless design of its magnificent decanter has inspired Anish Kapoor whose creation now becomes a part of our brand's enduring legacy.' he concluded.
The Remy Martin XO x Anish Kapoor limited edition retails from RM1,049, and is available in a 700ml format exclusively in The Chamber stores in Starhill, Pavilion Bukit Jalil and Sunway Pyramid, and online at thechamber.my.