Vinorel no.2 in situ (Cabernet Sauvignon) 2018

Alfred Freddy Krupa made this work using an unconventional material: Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The deep purple liquid is brushed across the paper to create the atmospheric background and subtle shading of the building. Krupa’s Vinorel series challenges traditional artistic practices, using the fermented juice of grapes, rather than ink or paint. The fluid nature of wine allows for spontaneous, expressive marks, creating a sense of movement and immediacy. The choice of wine as a medium imbues the artwork with cultural significance, connecting it to histories of viticulture and the social rituals surrounding wine consumption. The seemingly simple method belies the artist’s skill in controlling the unpredictable nature of the material. The use of wine also raises questions about value, labor, and the commodification of both art and agricultural products. By using wine in this way, Krupa blurs the lines between fine art and everyday life, prompting us to consider the material and social contexts that shape our understanding of art.