Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana: Insights and Images "Before They Were Famous"

NEW YORK, May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami-based art publishers KIWI Arts Group today announced that Eric C. Shiner, director of The Andy Warhol Museum, will participate in a May 5th panel entitled "Telling Tales: Warhol's Friends Tell it Like it Was," along with photographer William John Kennedy and Warhol cohorts Ultra Violet and Taylor Mead. Celebrating the official presentation and addition of 100 photographs by William John Kennedy to The Warhol's permanent collection, the discussion offers an auspicious kick-off for the comprehensive program of high-profile panel discussions, film screenings and guided tours tied to Before They Were Famous: Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120503/FL99969 )

Kennedy's extraordinary photographs—which lay in storage for nearly 50 years before being published by KIWI Arts Group in collaboration with the photographer—reveal a story of the pivotal moments and players who shaped the course of American art in the second half of the 20th century. Featuring unguarded and candid photographs of Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana from the early 1960s, the exhibition will be on view through May 29 at Site/109 (109 Norfolk Street) in New York and, concurrently through the summer at the Conrad Indianapolis in partnership with ModernMasters Fine Art.

KIWI Arts Group programming highlights in New York:

"Telling Tales: Warhol's Friends Tell it Like it Was" -- a lively discussion moderated by Eric C. Shiner, Director of The Andy Warhol Museum, featuring William John Kennedy, Ultra Violet, Taylor Mead. May 5, 11am.

"Discovery!" -- A discussion about validating the historical and cultural importance of a lost archive or artwork. Moderated by Stephen Rosenberg, art advisor and educator; with Mike Huter, KIWI Arts Group; Sandro Bosi, Bosi Contemporary; Steven Kasher, Steven Kasher Gallery; Pavel Zoubok, Pavel Zoubok Gallery. May 12, 1pm.

"Andy's Market"-- A look at the remarkable sustainability of Warhol's art and his prices, and the reasons behind it. Moderated by Judd Tully, art critic and art market journalist. Panelists include Charlie Scheips, cultural historian, curator and Warhol specialist. May 19, 1pm.

"Robert Indiana: New Love" -- A fresh perspective on Robert Indiana's importance to Pop Art. Featuring noted author and art historian Thomas Crow and Joachim Pissarro, Bershad Professor of Art History and Director of the Hunter College Galleries, author and former MoMA curator. May 22, 6:30pm.

In addition, "Full Circle: Before They Were Famous," a dynamic 40-minute documentary, chronicling the journey of Kennedy's images from the '60s to the present, screens weekly. The film, directed by Brian Bayerl, includes appearances by the reclusive Robert Indiana; Warhol Superstar Ultra Violet; poet/performer Taylor Mead. As well, the Hatje Cantz publication "Robert Indiana: New Perspectives," featuring several Kennedy images, is available for book signings.

For more information: www.kiwiartsgroup.com.

Contact:
Meryl Cooper
212.260.8100
917.974.0022
[email protected]

SOURCE KIWI Arts Group