A huge and comprehensive exhibit of Andy Warhol’s best work, Warhol Icons has opened at the Halcyon Gallery, narrating a layered social and cultural commentary from the mass consumerism society, music, politics to the celebrity culture.
Following a three years complex process the Halcyon Gallery has been gathering a significant collection from all over the world featuring over 100 pieces by collecting portfolios, key works and never-before-seen works.
Unique in its breadth, the exhibition spans over three floors and retraces Warhol’s career across three decades, from his early illustrative works of the 1950s through to the iconic works of the late 1980s. Creating a visual experience with an explosion of colours, forms and ideas, it gives viewers the opportunity to see original works on canvas, paper and some of his most important portfolios.
The mezzanine space in the gallery has been rearranged to display Campbell’s Soup I installation, as a tribute to Warhol’s first exhibition with Irving Blum in 1962, where his famous soup can paintings were displayed in the gallery to represent the supermarket shelves on which the soup cans were stored.
Five of the artist’s other famous portfolios from 10 have also been displayed including Cowboys and Indians and Endangered Species, looking at the nature of conservation and how Warhol viewed the environment – a lasting concern for the artist who frequently liked to bring these views into his works on the subject.
His classic 1981 signed Myths Invitations – with images of fantasy icons the Wicked Witch of the West, Santa Claus, Mammy from Gone with the Wind, Superman, Garbo, Uncle Sam, Mickey Mouse, Howdy Doodie, Boris Karloff – is one of many of his most recognisable pieces on show.
Warhol’s fascination with the celebrity is illustrated by his colourful portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Mick Jagger, Muhammad Ali, Ingrid Bergman or within one of his rare Self Portrait in Fright Wig.
As visitors come, take photos to share on social media, Warhol’s legacy and celebration of ‘mass culture’ continue to show us his influence and relevance.
Such an extensive collection of Warhol’s iconic works has rarely been seen in one space. It’s a delight for art lovers, WARHOL ICONS is not to be missed at Halcyon Gallery.
View the full set of pics here
WARHOL ICONS
Until 26 June 2016
Halcyon Gallery
New Bond Street
London
