Screenprint Edition: A.P.20/25

81 × 58.5 cm. 31 7/8 × 23 in.（畫面）; 111 × 73 cm. 43 3/4 × 28 3/4 in. （紙張）

Signed, dated and inscribed annotation in English, numbered on the reverse

LITERATURE
1989, Andy Warhol Prints: A Catalogue Raisonné 1962-1987 Second Edition, Distributed Art Publisher & Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, New York, p. 129
PROVENANCE
Andy Warhol Estate
29 Sep 2016, Christie's New York Auction, Lot 539
Acquired directly by present important private Asian collector from the above

True Colours of the Self, Revealing Infinite Rays of Elegance

Andy Warhol is recognized by the world as an important driving force behind the Pop Art movement that swept across the United States in 1960s. He pioneered the concept of advertising in Pop Art form. His works included themes of celebrities, daily commodities, and news stories, with repeated images and plural prints. The unique style deviates from pursuits of traditional art and differs from abstract expressionism artistic standards. As Warhol said, “The most important thing in art is the idea that transpires, not the process of its production”. He believed that techniques is not of utmost importance in the production of art. An artist should have a sentimental heart and a creative mind, which seeks to differ from the traditional framework. His thinking made him a leader in the world of art and he established an unshakable position in the industry.

In 1975, Warhol acquired shares in the American publisher Peter Brant's Interview magazine. He subsequently became the magazine's publisher. While interviewing and reporting on celebrities, he produced images with screen printing. The Mick Jagger (Lot 19) and Ladies and Gentlemen (Lot 18) presented here were both created in 1975. The works represent the unrevealed inner world of splendid performers featured in the artworks.

His Style Legendary, Representing Extraordinary Significance

Warhol admired his friend Jagger, who was known as the most popular and influential vocalist in rock and roll history. Jagger wore his signature long hair, dressed in leggings, and was an exemplar of the fashionable “bad boy” image. As a symbol of rock and roll, Jager was invited to be the protagonist of Warhol's portrait in 1975. During the creation of the piece, Warhol took many photos of Jagger using a Polaroid camera. The photos were taken in his studio. He created 10 screenprints, one of which was incorporated in Mick Jagger presented here. Mick Jagger is the only piece in the series with two overlapping layers. It is comprised of irregularly shaped colour boxes. Printed lines resembling hand-painted strokes trace along the contours of the protagonist's face and body. The two overlapping layers enhance Jagger's dynamic profile. The left side of the work is collage-like with rose red, purple, and black colour boxes juxtaposing one another. The colour palette enhances the contrast between the colour boxes, highlighting the conflicting emotions of cold and warmth, rationality and sentimentality, simultaneously serving as a metaphor of reality. Autographed by Warhol and Jagger, the work is evidence of the camaraderie between the two legendary figures in the art and music industry.

Bright and Colourful, Loud and Clear

In the same year, Warhol was commissioned by the Italian art dealer Luciano Anselmo to create the Ladies and Gentlemen series. He personally selected 14 models for over 500 photos and then created the series with the photos. The theme of the series focus on Latino, transgender and race problems. The piece presented here features the famous American drag queen Alphanso Panell. Panell has long thick eyelashes and flaming red lips, revealing feminine quality. The artist deliberately used indigo blue, Indian yellow and other colours her face to symbolize her kind heart despite the temptations on society. Warhol used brown to highlight the complexion of the protagonist, emphasizing her origin. The pink on the left and the blue on the right symbolize the protagonist's multi-faceted characteristics. She is both kind-hearted and determined, such internal conflicts are brought to light when confronting with criticisms.

Price estimate:
HKD: 180,000 - 280,000
USD: 22,900 - 35,700

Auction Result:
HKD: --