Andy's Socialites - 16 Warhol Portraits on Display at Revolver Gallery - March 25th

LOS ANGELES, March 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Andy's Socialites, an exhibition of 16 breathtaking and original Warhol canvases opens March 25th, 2014 at Revolver Gallery in Beverly Hills from 10AM-3PM.   The prior commissions have been in the possession of the Warhol Foundation and have not been publicly displayed. Each portrait is 40"x 40" and combines his trademark silkscreen technique with freeform acrylic hand-painting making the portraits truly one of a kind.

To have a portrait painted by Andy Warhol carried incredible prestige and in many circles was considered the ultimate form of social validation.  The subjects of the portraits in Andy's Socialites are yesterday's John Varvatos, Mark Jacobs, Mark Cuban and Conrad Hilton. They were members of the social elite who wished to be elevated to the status of his other subjects - iconic brands and superstars, but Warhol did more than just iconify his subjects; he immortalized them.

Warhol's commissions were his bread and butter, and are what funded the Factory for years.  By the time Warhol died it was such a status symbol to have Warhol create a portrait that 'people competed to be portrayed by Warhol' says Art Critic Arthur Danto, 'because that appeared to give them instant immortality' - to be considered a part of Warhol's circle - whether they paid to get into it or not.

His illustrious list of friends is often celebrated with more vehemence than his own life, and this collection features some of his most interesting comrades - including a rapturous portrait of Georges Marciano, the founder of Guess. Marciano's version hangs in his L'Hotel in Montreal along with over one hundred pieces from his personal collection.

Another famous hotelier, Jay Pritzker, founder of the Hyatt hotel chain, and creator of the Pritzker Prize for Architecture, is majestically featured in the exhibit alongside ageless billionaires Phillip Rosenthal and Michael Otto, suave fashion legends Dolf Selbach and Mario Borsato, and refined art dealer Jules Brassner.  Also present are portraits of elegant European society men Hartmut Stoecker, Carlo Monzino, Alexandre Lolas, Carlo de Benedetti, and Vito Doria as well as the chic Mr Demos and Mr Krull.

The work in this exhibit is more than just a series of portraits.  Not only do they represent the unmistakable Andy Warhol brand, but they represent the beauty Warhol saw in everything; the pop of orange that dazzles from behind Marciano's eyes and the shading of Benedetti's face that makes him look powerful . . . masterful.  Through his work Warhol honored the cult of celebrity until the point where, by painting someone's portrait, they would suddenly become one.

The exhibition opens to the public on Tuesday, March 25th from 10-3 PM.

What: Andy's Socialites
Where: Revolver Gallery, 9459 Charleville Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90212  +1 310 786 7417 [email protected]
Exhibition Opens, March 25th, 2014
Why: To rub elbows with socialites

About Revolver Gallery:
Revolver Gallery strives to bridge the world of art and modern day society together in a unique fashion by showcasing work from acclaimed contemporary artists as well as celebrating the vintage work of past Pop Art masters. Revolver is a spar where a dialogue between past and present popular culture is constructed, encouraging viewers to draw their own conclusions about the relationship between the two.

REVOLVER Gallery
9459 Charleville Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
www.revolverbeverlyhills.com
Tuesday - Saturday 10AM - 3PM

Photo(s):
http://www.prlog.org/12294007

SOURCE Revolver Gallery