Andy Warhol exhibition comes to the UAE for the first time
- 20 Sep 2024
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
Art For All brings “Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory” exhibition to Dubai, featuring over 100 original pieces from the king of Pop Art. Taking place at Foundry from September 20 – October 31, 2024 and curated by Nada Ghandour, the exhibition will feature famed pieces including a screenprint portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. On display for the first time in the UAE, the collection of over 100 original pieces on display includes screenprints, photos, and magazines that illustrate his career and provide a portrait of American society from the 1960s to the 1980s, a period of artistic, technological, and societal renewal.
Designed by renowned New York-based architect Ibrahim Kombarji, the exhibition harmoniously blends Warhol’s avant-garde spirit with cutting-edge architectural design, creating an environment that both reflects and enhances the experience of Warhol’s work. “We are thrilled to bring Andy Warhol’s groundbreaking works to Dubai for the very first time. ‘Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory’ is not just an exhibition; it’s an immersive journey into the mind of a genius who forever changed the landscape of contemporary art. This exhibition is a testament to Dubai’s growing status as a global cultural hub, and we are honoured to share Warhol’s legacy with our community,” said Rania Ashur, Founder of Art For All.
A multi-talented creative – painter, advertiser, filmmaker, actor, music and television producer — Warhol redefined the stature and power of the artist. Even today, his work continues to inspire and provoke. His innovative use of screenprinting, fascination with consumer culture, and talent as a portraitist of the global elite made him one of the most revolutionary artists of the 20th century. The exhibition is organised into two sections, one dedicated to the artist and the other to his places of creation and preference: Andy Warhol: From Shadows to Light: This section highlights the significant milestones of Warhol’s career, from his early days as an illustrator to his status as a “business artist” with a prestigious clientele. It embodies his aesthetic evolution, from his advertising drawings in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and The New Yorker to the Campbell’s Soup Cans, showcasing his exceptional technical mastery in illustration, photography, and semi-industrial series production.
The Glam Factory: Art Meets Business: Warhol’s genius was to bring the painted portrait back into vogue, which became his hallmark and fortune. The famous screenprint portraits of the “Rich and Famous” began with his iconic celebrity portraits including Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Mao Zedong, propelling Warhol to the forefront of the art world. This section also includes portraits of various political, fashion, arts, sports, and business personalities, blending commission and collaboration with Edward Kennedy, Paloma Picasso, and Keith Haring. Additionally, it features stars who shared Warhol’s extravagant social life and who sometimes collaborated artistically with him such as fashion designers Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani, as well as rock star elite Mick Jagger.
Two immersive spaces recreate the experimental and glamorous environment of New York that Warhol frequented, alongside its vibrant nightlife during this period of extravagance and excitement: The Silver Factory: A multidisciplinary creation space designed by Warhol for himself and the artists he invited to collaborate. And Studio 54: Where jet-setters, businessmen, top models, and personalities from around the world gathered to party. Commenting on the exhibition, curator of the exhibition, Nada Ghandour said, “Curating ‘Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory’ has been a remarkable experience, as Warhol’s art continues to resonate deeply with audiences around the world.
This exhibition offers a remarkable opportunity to explore Warhol’s innovative approach to art and his profound commentary on consumerism and celebrity culture. I believe visitors will leave with a newfound appreciation for Warhol’s work and its enduring relevance.” “Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory” is an exhibition by Art for All, hosted at Foundry, a pioneering hybrid art space nestled in the heart of Downtown Dubai’s Boulevard. Open to the public from September 20, 2024, tickets are available for purchase through Fever Up.