Andy Warhol: Fashion Exhibition at Anton Kern Gallery
Before Andy Warhol became known for his iconic Campbell’s soup cans and Brillo boxes, he started his career as a department store window designer and a commercial illustrator for fashion magazines like Vogue and Glamour. These early experiences in the fashion world laid a solid foundation for his future work, which continued to be influenced by style and glamour throughout his career.
The exhibition “Andy Warhol: Fashion” at Anton Kern Gallery offers a fresh perspective on Warhol’s fascination with fashion. The exhibition features 48 fashion-focused drawings from the 1950s and 60s, as well as episodes of Warhol’s first public-access television show, “Fashion” (1979-80). The show is curated by Vincent Fremont, who not only produced the television program but also worked closely with Warhol as his studio manager and later co-founded the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
Spread across two floors, the exhibition feels like a behind-the-scenes look at Warhol at work, as well as a lively party atmosphere. The episodes of “Fashion” feature male models discussing their work, designer Betsey Johnson talking about fashion history, and upbeat music from the 60s and 70s setting the tone.
The drawings on display are organized around the body, with clusters of framed ink and graphite drawings focusing on feminine faces, male nudes, coiffures, and feet. The titles of the drawings are descriptive, such as “Tattooed Female in Girdle” and “Male Genitals With Bow,” and the intricate details and embellishments showcase Warhol’s keen eye for detail and sense of humor.
Some frames feature paired drawings that reveal Warhol’s artistic process, including his famous blotted-line technique. This technique involved inking a drawing and then pressing a fresh sheet of paper over the wet ink to create imperfect lines that blob and feather, adding a unique charm to the artwork.
The exhibition also includes stills from the “Fashion” TV show, showcasing Warhol’s playful and irreverent approach to the fashion industry. The exhibition invites visitors to explore Warhol’s world of fashion and style, offering a glimpse into the artist’s creative process and unique vision.
“Andy Warhol: Fashion” is on display at Anton Kern Gallery until August 13th, offering a rare opportunity to experience Warhol’s early work in the world of fashion. Don’t miss this chance to see the iconic artist’s stylish creations up close and personal.
