Andy Warhol

I was disappointed that I missed the Andy Warhol exhibition
on recently at Gow Langsford Gallery in Auckland.
But thought I'd post some photos here in case it inspired you:

installation view
Installation view, Andy Warhol
Gow Langsford Gallery, Kitchener St, Auckland. 17 April - 11 May 2013

The work of Andy Warhol needs little introduction. 
As America took a turn from the conventional conservatism
 that ruled the ‘50s into the swinging sixties –
a new time of cultural liberty, frivolity, and mass-production and consumerism emerged.
As a pioneering artist of the associated artistic movement of Pop Art,
Andy Warhol’s now world-famous work explores the relationship
between artistic expression, celebrity culture and advertisement.
This exhibition covers major themes in his works –
skulls, Chairman Mao, Marilyn and the electric chairs.

warhol_Marilyn_23_1967
Andy Warhol (USA), Marilyn Monroe (Marilyn), #23, 1967
Screenprint, 91x91cm, edition of 250 (+ 26 APs)

Warhol_Campbell's Soup Can II-Hot Dog Bean_1969_screenprint on paper_885x580mm
Andy Warhol (USA), Campbell's Soup Can II - Hot Dog Bean #59, 1969
Screenprint, 90x121cm, edition of 250 (+ 26 APs)

Warhol_Electric Chairs_1971
Andy Warhol (USA), Electric Chair, 1971 
Screenprint, 90x121cm, edition of 250 (+ 50 APs)

Warhol_Mao_web
Andy Warhol (USA), Mao #99, 1972
Screenprint, 91x91cm, edition of 250 (+ 50 APs)

Warhol Skulls3
Andy Warhol (USA), Skulls #160, 1976
Screenprint, 76x101cm, edition of 50

Andy_Warhol_Joseph_Beuys_II245_421
Andy Warhol (USA), Joseph Beuys, 1980
Screenprint, 112x76cm, edition of 90 (+ 15 APs) 

Screenprinted images form an integral part of Warhol’s practice. 
Warhol’s decision to select images from popular culture
and combine them with the printing processes of the commercial world
was an essential element of his Pop statement. 
With nearly scientific fervour, he dissected the very mechanics of image production
and, through this unexpected commonplace vehicle, discovered a way to be original.”
(Donna de Salvo, “Andy Warhol Prints”, Ronald Feldan Fine Arts, Inc., 1997, p. 16).

Focusing on an item of popular culture,
the subject of his screenprints enters the realm of “Pop Art”
through his trademark colouring and screen print production techniques. 
The resulting images became almost iconic, a metaphor for America -
 its capitalism, its abundance, its industry, and, most importantly,
 its simultaneous and contradictory desire for innovation and uniformity.
(adapted from “Andy Warhol Prints: a catalogue raisonne 1962-1987”, Frayda Feldman and Jorg Schellmann, 3rd edition, 1997)



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