University gallery to host major Andy Warhol exhibition
The University of Southampton’s John Hansard Gallery is to co-stage a major exhibition of nearly two hundred works by Andy Warhol (1928 – 1987), one of the giants of 20th century art.
Paintings, prints, posters, photographs and film will be displayed across two of the city’s most prestigious art galleries, Southampton City Art Gallery and the John Hansard Gallery. The works on display are taken from ARTIST ROOMS, a new collection of modern and contemporary art held by Tate and National Galleries of Scotland for the nation.
The exhibition in Southampton – which will have free admission – explores Warhol’s fascination with fame and celebrity, giving visitors an overview of his work from 1951 until his death in 1987. The University’s John Hansard Gallery will focus on Warhol’s hugely influential film and photography, showcasing rarely-seen stitched photographs, self-portraits and celebrity portraits, alongside iconic film works from the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. Southampton City Art Gallery will explore contemporary culture and icons by exhibiting 19 major paintings and a group of 126 prints and posters, alongside an Andy Warhol ‘factory’ style space for young people and families.
Councillor John Hannides, Cabinet Member for Leisure Culture and Heritage, said: “This will be one of the most significant art exhibitions in Southampton for generations. This exhibition will appeal to a mass audience, from devoted fans to young people new to his work. He truly was one of the giants of 20th century art and it is wonderful that his work will be featured in the city.”
Stephen Foster, Director, John Hansard Gallery, adds: “Warhol’s impact on modern culture is immeasurable. The themes of his work are as relevant today as they were half a century ago, and we can’t wait for Warhol fever to hit Southampton in 2011.”
Following the successes of 2009 and 2010, 23 ARTIST ROOMS exhibitions and displays from the collection assembled by the art collector and curator, Anthony d’Offay are showing at 21 museums and galleries across the UK in 2011. 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.
To find out more information about ARTIST ROOMS On Tour, please visit www.artfund.org/artistrooms. To see the full ARTIST ROOMS collection please visit www.tate.org.uk/artistrooms and www.nationalgalleries.org/artistrooms