Halcyon Gallery in London just opened its doors to a groundbreaking exhibition dedicated to the legendary American pop artist and cultural icon, Andy Warhol. The”Beyond the Brand” exhibit, spanning the gallery’s two Mayfair sites at 29 and 148 New Bond Street, promises a comprehensive overview of Warhol’s creative life, showcasing his most iconic print portfolios, commercial works, and rarely seen original canvases.
A celebration of Warhol’s unique and radical contribution to art history, “Beyond the Brand” delves into the extraordinary power of Warhol’s artistic vision. The exhibition, curated by Halcyon Gallery’s creative director, Kate Brown, will feature a rare gem – the Anatom (Rado Watches) canvas, a vibrant portrayal of a watch by the Swiss brand Rado. This masterpiece is one of the final commissions and last works undertaken by Warhol before his passing in 1987.
The Anatom (Rado Watches) canvas that is part of the exhibition was first unveiled to the world in New York City of 1987. Warhol painted two (possibly more) canvas works of art celebrating the Anatom watch. The event, which I attended, was a huge success, and 100 signed/numbered prints of one of the canvas drawings were made and distributed to guests. Those reproductions are of a different canvas artwork than is on exhibit in London.
Rado, referred to by the brand as the “Master of Materials” for its innovative use of ceramic, recently announced the relaunch of The Anatom watch at Art Miami in December 2023, adding a contemporary layer to Warhol’s timeless creation.
“Beyond the Brand” explores Warhol’s exploration of the intersection between art and commerce, a theme that has had a profound impact on subsequent generations. The exhibit features the Ads series, where Warhol reimagined famous advertisements, including Apple computers, Volkswagen cars, and Chanel No. 5, transforming them into powerful works of art. The silkscreen prints and paintings from this series will be displayed together for the first time in the UK, making the exhibition a must-see for Warhol enthusiasts and collectors.
Paul Green, Founder and President of Halcyon Gallery, expressed the gallery’s privileged role in participating in the acquisition and sale of works by one of the most important and influential artists in the world. The commitment to building distinguished art collections and hosting world-class, accessible exhibitions has only strengthened the gallery’s expertise in showcasing Warhol’s work.
The smaller exhibition space at 29 New Bond Street will spotlight Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans, accompanied by ephemera illustrating the profound impact of this motif on culture. Meanwhile, 148 New Bond Street will feature an immersive room showcasing Keith Haring’s Andy Mouse portfolio, paying tribute to Warhol’s influence on artists and the changing face of the New York art scene. The exhibition opened to the public on last week and will continue until mid-March.