Warhol, Johns, Oldenburg, Indiana, Raysse

Andy Warhol - Self-Portrait, 1966
synthetic polymer and silkscreen ink on linen

This artwork of Warhol that I had seen so many times in reproductions, now I was in front of it. Everything Warhol creates, he pours a drop of godness.

But Master Warhola wasn't alone there.

Jasper Johns - 0 through 9, 1961
oil and charcoal on canvas

Jasper Johns - 0 through 9: it's a whole universe there, of digits, and of people, and of weird animals, and some birds, and funny, strange events. Digits defining people, people in metamorphosis to become animals and birds, a miraculous geometry of shapes, and colors, and white drops of snow, drops of snow in sudden metamorphosis to red. Drops of red snow.

Near Jasper Johns, a Claes Oldenberg: this Ghost Version of a Soft Bathtub. It is interesting, I noted the head (so, the Ghost) only after taking the photo. Actually I noted the head only in the photo, I wasn't able to observe it just watching the work. It's an interesting point, and it goes well with the argument of PhotoRealists, that one should start with a photo to get all interesting details of reality.

Claes Oldenburg - Soft Bathtub (Model) - Ghost Version, 1966
acrylic paint and and graphite on foam-filled canvas with wood, cord and plaster

On the opposite wall, another Oldenburg, this 7-UP that I knew from some art books

Claes Oldenburg - 7-Up, 1961
enamel on plaster-soaked muslin on wine

Robert Indiana then, the wizard discovering icons in digits and words. Here building ironic icons:

Robert Indiana - Beware-Danger American Dream # 4, 1963
oil on canvas

Martial Raysse - Made in Japan, 1964
photomechanical reproductions, wallpaper,gouache, peacock feathers and plaster puncte paper on fiberboard

And finally this green Venus Made in Japan, laying on soft cushions. I felt I needed to record the whole in a video, to keep the memory forever: Warhol, Johns, Oldenburg, Indiana, Raysse.




(Hirshhorn Museum)

(Contemporary Art)