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About the artist: King of pop art and one of the most famous artists of the last century, Andy Warhol’s oeuvre is filled with iconic works, from the “Campbell’s Soup Can” series (1961-1962) to the Diptych Marilyn (1962). Although often associated with printmaking, particularly screen printing, Warhol was also an incredibly talented illustrator and draftsman, and drawing was an integral part of his practice throughout his career. His early drawings on paper resembled both continuous line drawing and blind outline techniques, giving his work a sense of ease and immediacy. While working primarily in commercial advertising, he pioneered the dabbed line technique, which synthesizes graphite drawing on paper with elements of etching. Warhol continued his drawing practice in the later years of his life and career, and work from this later period illustrates the value of a long and rich career of honed skills and techniques.
What do you want to know: On view until July 29, 2023, Long and clean gallery present “Andy Warhol: A Life Well Drawn” both in gallery physics and virtual spaces. Comprising fifteen works on paper that Warhol produced during his last decade, the collection of drawings reflects the passions and interests the artist nurtured throughout his career, including fashion, animals and contemporary advertising. The works in the exhibition have provenance and authentication by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. A digital exhibition catalogue, to be found here— accompanies the exhibition, which traces the evolution of Warhol’s drawings from the 1980s and provides illuminating editorial notes for individual works.
Why we love it: Although Warhol is best known for his prints and multiples, his drawings offer unique and invaluable insight into his artistic vision and insight into the artist’s hand. The selection of works in the exhibition, all dating from the 1980s, operates in a way a retrospective of the elements of Warhol’s career. In Perfumery and cosmetics, study for the Halston advertising campaign (1982) we can see the enduring interest in the convergence of fine art and advertising. Bald Eagle (1983) from the “Endangered Species” series highlights his continuing fascination with themes around premature or shocking endings. Additionally, the quality of line and conciseness of composition that can be seen throughout all the works on display underscore Warhol’s mastery of the medium. With only a few effective marks, the specific subject is apparent even in the most austere designs such as Tidal pool (1983). Here, the smooth outlines of two figures next to zigzag lines clearly represent the reflection of the Washington Monument in the water. Overall, “Andy Warhol: A Life Well Drawn” offers a rare insight into the creative process of one of history’s most celebrated artists.
See the interior of the exhibition and the works presented below.
Installation view of “Andy Warhol: A Life Well Drawn” (2023). Courtesy of Long-Sharp Gallery, Indianapolis.
Installation view of “Andy Warhol: A Life Well Drawn” (2023). Courtesy of Long-Sharp Gallery, Indianapolis.
Andy Warhol, Tidal pool (1983). Courtesy of Long-Sharp Gallery, Indianapolis.
Andy Warhol, Nickel Indian Head (1986). Courtesy of Long-Sharp Gallery, Indianapolis.
Andy Warhol, Perfumery and cosmetics, study for the Halston advertising campaign (1982). Courtesy of Long-Sharp Gallery, Indianapolis.
“Andy Warhol: A Life Well Drawnis on view at the Long-Sharp Gallery, Indianapolis, through July 29, 2023.
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