Cover Yang Yongliang stands with his artwork (Photo: Courtesy of Hennessy)
Yang Yongliang stands with his artwork (Photo: Courtesy of Hennessy)
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Experience the fusion of ancient wisdom and contemporary creativity with Hennessy's limited-edition Chinese New Year bottles, with artist Yang Yongliang's mesmerising dragon artwork
Just around the corner, the upcoming Chinese New Year is already causing a stir thanks to the iconic cognac house Hennessy. This special occasion welcomes a joyful time of celebration and blessings filled with friends and family eagerly reconnecting over shared memories and new experiences. It's the ideal moment to experience exactly what the lauded cognac house has cooked up: Meet the Hennessy x Yang Yongliang V.S.O.P and X.O limited edition bottles, created just for the forthcoming Chinese New Year.
Hennessy invites you to toast the year of the Dragon in utter style with this creation that has been forged with a burst of creativity and a splash of luxury. Yang Yongliang, a renowned Chinese artist, has teamed up with the brand to produce mesmerising limited-edition V.S.O.P and X.O bottles, transforming the classic dragon image into a symbol of undying spirit, knowledge, and boundless creativity.
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Above (Photo: Courtesy of Hennessy)
(Photo: Courtesy of Hennessy)
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"What I was trying to explore in my art making is really to see what can be renewed from our ancient history, Chinese history, especially Asian history," Yang shares. His artwork seamlessly blends fantasy and ancient wisdom, with a fresh perspective that resonates with modern audiences globally.
Growing up in a small town near Shanghai, Yang was surrounded by dragon motifs in ancient architecture. These mythical creatures adorned stone bridges and roof designs, creating a sense of familiarity and mystery. "A dragon is not something that exists in reality, but because of very early influences from childhood, it makes me comfortable recreating them," he reflects.
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Above (Photo: Xourtesy of Hennessy)
(Photo: Xourtesy of Hennessy)
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His fascination with dragons over the years urged him to dig into the creature's metaphorical value and travel through the rich storied history of Asian culture, exploring their significance as water gods. The collaboration with Hennessy, a cognac house known for its dedication to excellence, blends well with the strong and powerful character and majestic essence attributed to dragons.
Painting and audiovisual artwork are two main components of the artwork's production. Yang was able to merge tangible and digital mediums, complementing each other in ways he had never explored before. Traditional sculpting combined with a digital medium lends a dramatic element to the dragon-themed artwork.
Above (Photo: Courtesy of Hennessy)
Above (Photo: Courtesy of Hennessy)
(Photo: Courtesy of Hennessy)
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Reflecting on the evolution of traditional mixed media, Yang notes, "Renewing the dragon in a way to repurpose it and make it interesting and fun again was very important." In a world where mass media often overshadows traditional practices, he successfully breathes new life into the dragon motif for such a notable brand.
The limited-edition bottles include this beautiful artwork by Yang, which forges a link between the past and the present. The Hennessy and Yang Yongliang’s collaboration encourages you to savour fresh beginnings, cherish the festive season, and celebrate rich traditions as the dragon takes on new heights. This Chinese New Year, embrace the strength of the dragon, where classic craftsmanship meets modern ingenuity. It is the perfect yet meaningful gift to give this festivity.
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon and grab the exclusive Hennessy x Yang Yongliang V.S.O.P and X.O bottles at their first Chinese New Year pop-up in the Philippines at Greenbelt 5 from January 19 to February 11, 2024. You may also visit ph.hennessy.com to learn more. Please drink responsibly.
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