The works of Mickalene Thomas, an artist whose politically charged art examines the female experience, will appear on bottles of Bedell Cellars‘ newly released 2013 First Crush Red.
The new label features a collage selected from Thomas’ 2014 series “Tête de Femme” and feature a woman’s face made of abstract shapes.
“The collage ended up just being the perfect choice,” Thomas told The New York Times Style Magazine. “The various layers of papers created a nice dimension to a really two-dimensional surface, which was beautiful. It just really made it sort of pop off the surface.”
Bedell has featured the works or renowned artists including Chuck Close and Barbara Kruger — who designed the black and white image of Marilyn Monroe with the word taste across her mouth, a signature of the winery’s bottles — on its previous wine labels.
Bedell Cellars owner Michael Lynne, who sits on the Museum of Modern Art’s board of trustees, praised Thomas’ work and said in a statement that the winery was thrilled to partner with her.
“At Bedell, we are committed to great winemaking and combining these wonderful wines with extraordinary artwork from major contemporary artists is a perfect marriage of these two passions in my life,” said Lynn, the former CEO of New Line Cinema. “I have collected Mickalene’s art for many years, am a true fan of her work, and also truly value our friendship. I am delighted that Mickalene was so enthusiastic about having her dramatic artwork on our label for the upcoming release of our 2013 First Crush Red.”
First Crush Red is made from the first merlot and cabernet franc grapes harvested in 2013.
Bedell describes the wine as “bright and elegant, with soft tannins and refreshing acidity, delivering aromas and flavors reminiscent of the North Fork’s unique maritime terroir.”
Bedell will release First Crush White, also with a label designed by Thomas, in April 2015.
