WARHOL’S WESTERN CONNECTIONS: Artist Andy Warhol is often known more for his excesses than his art. However, two recent exhibitions at WYO museums offer some new perspectives on Warhol. First came the show at the Nicolaysen in Casper that was part of a national touring exhibition. And now the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson is featuring "Silent Spring: Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species and Vanishing Animals." It includes a red-and-white Giant Panda and, according to the excellent exhibition brochure, an African Elephant in "pop pink, recalling not only the stereotypical imagery of delirium tremens but also Walt Disney’s Fantasia." Matt Wrbican, an archivist at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh (the artist’s hometown), wrote the catalog narrative. He reports that Warhol owned 40 acres of land near Carbondale, Colorado (30 miles from Aspen) for which he had a registered cattle brand. I wonder if the prolific Warhol designed the brand? I have a vision of cattle wandering the High Plains with pop art soup cans embossed on their rumps. But, according to Matt, the ranch’s brand was a bit more traditional – "A Lazy W." By the way, when you’re in Pittsburgh, make sure to leave some time to visit the Warhol Museum. The exhibits are excellent, and you learn the real story behind the artist and his work.
- posted by Michael Shay @ 12:13 PM