‘Warhol is Here’, a new exhibition which is part of the Artists Rooms series sponsored by Tate Modern and The National Galleries Of Scotland is a legacy of the remarkable donation of hundreds of contemporary masterpieces by collector/dealer Anthony d’offay. The exhibition explores the work of Andy Warhol in the context of his beliefs, lifestyle and above all, his legacy for the 21st century.
The Pavilion points out that it is delighted to announce that one of Warhol’s most important works the Marilyn Diptych (1962), will be part of the exhibition. The painting, made in 1962, shortly after the actress’ death, comprises two canvasses, each containing 25 silkscreened repetitions of the image of Marilyn Monroe first used as a publicity photograph taken for her role in the film Niagra. It is considered to be one of the world’s most important pieces of contemporary art and was created at a time when Warhol was moving from being a commercial artist and establishing his reputation as a fine artist. Other iconic works included in the exhibition will include prints from the Campbell’s Soup series (1968), a group of Brillo Boxes (1968) and portrait paintings including Gilbert & George (1975), Joseph Beuys (1980) and Robert Mapplethorpe (1983). There are drawings from as early as the 1940s, stitched photographs, Polaroid self portraits, posters and an entire gallery dedicated to late paintings from the 1980s, which will include Camouflage (1986), a spectacular four panel silkscreen.
The Pavilion exhibition was curated and conceived by Jean Wainwright in the rooftop foyer of the Pavilion. This sound installation will comprise of tape recordings of interviews taken over the course of an eleven year journey to find Warhol’s voice as told by others. The recordings, played on old cassette players, were gathered from collaborators, stars of his films, and his family. We hear his brothers John and Paul on growing up with Andy, as well as conversations with John Giorno, Gerard Malanga, Billy Name and Brigid Berlin, amongst others. From the way he talked, to his working methods and relationship with family and lovers, this installation provides a unique insight into Andy Warhol from Jean Wainwright’s archives and will be accompanied by photographs and objects from her extensive Warhol collection.
The Pavilion has created a programme of music, live performance, film, events and workshops inspired by Warhol and will publish a small handbook of essays by artists, curators, writers and musicians commenting upon the memory, influence and impact of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
ARTIST ROOMS is owned jointly by Tate and National Galleries of Scotland and was established through The d’Offay Donation in 2008, with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Art Fund and the Scottish and British Governments. ARTIST ROOMS is being shared with galleries and museums throughout the UK thanks to the support of independent charity, the Art Fund and the Scottish Government. ARTIST ROOMS On Tour with the Art Fund has been devised to enable this collection to reach and inspire new audiences across the country, particularly young people.
The Art Fund is a membership charity that helps museums and galleries buy works of art for all to enjoy through awarding grants, campaigning and fundraising. Recent highlights include leading the £3.3 million campaign to save the Staffordshire Hoard, and helping to buy a new commission, Antony Gormley’s 6 Times, for the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The Art Fund is financed by the generosity of its 80,000 members and supporters who have a passion for art and the institutions that house great collections.
Anthony D’Offay
For over twenty years, Anthony D’Offay ran one of the most influential art galleries in London, representing many of Britain’s greatest living artists, from Lucian Freud to Rachel Whiteread. In 2001 he caused a sensation in the art world by unexpectedly closing The Anthony D’Offay Gallery in Dering Street. Two years ago his considerable collection of modern and contemporary art was offered to the Nation. It was one of the largest gifts of art ever made – 725 works by some of the world’s leading artists. Since then D’Offay has been curating and installing Artist Rooms, a series of meticulously planned solo exhibitions of artists’ work from his collection shown in public galleries across Britain.
ARTIST ROOMS On Tour with the Art Fund 24 September 2011 – 26 February 2012