Andy Warhol’s Original Masterpieces Come to the UAE for the First Time

Dubai, 6 SEPT – Brought to you by Art For All and curated by Nada Ghandour, the exhibition “Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory” traces Andy Warhol’s rise from his modest beginnings in illustration to his status as the Pope of Pop Art – the artistic movement which first drew inspiration from mass culture.

The collection of over 100 original pieces on display for the first time in the UAE include screen prints, photos, and magazines illustrate his career and provide a portrait of American society from the 1960s to the 1980s, a period of artistic, technological, and societal renewal.

A multi-talented creative – painter, advertiser, filmmaker, actor, music and television producer – Warhol redefined the stature and power of the artist. Even today, his work continues to inspire and provoke. His innovative use of screen printing, fascination with consumer culture, and talent as a portraitist of the global elite made him one of the most revolutionary artists of the 20th century.

Rania Ashur, Founder of Art For All, said:

“We are thrilled to bring Andy Warhol’s groundbreaking works to Dubai for the very first time. ‘Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory’ is not just an exhibition; it’s an immersive journey into the mind of a genius who forever changed the landscape of contemporary art. This exhibition is a testament to Dubai’s growing status as a global cultural hub, and we are honoured to share Warhol’s legacy with our community.”

Curator of Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory, Nada Ghandour said:

“Curating ‘Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory’ has been a remarkable experience, as Warhol’s art continues to resonate deeply with audiences around the world. This exhibition offers a remarkable opportunity to explore Warhol’s innovative approach to art and his profound commentary on consumerism and celebrity culture. I believe visitors will leave with a newfound appreciation for Warhol’s work and its enduring relevance.”

The exhibition is organized into two sections, one dedicated to the artist and the other to his places of creation and preference:

Andy Warhol: From Shadows to Light

This section highlights the significant milestones of Warhol’s career, from his early days as an illustrator to his status as a “business artist” with a prestigious clientele. It embodies his aesthetic evolution, from his advertising drawings in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and The New Yorker to the Campbell’s Soup Cans, showcasing his exceptional technical mastery in illustration, photography, and semi-industrial series production.

The Glam Factory: Art Meets Business / The Business Man Artist

Warhol’s genius was to bring the painted portrait back into vogue, which became his hallmark and fortune. The famous screen print portraits of the “Rich and Famous” began with his iconic celebrity portraits (Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Mao Zedong), propelling Warhol to the forefront of the art world. This section includes portraits of various political, fashion, arts, sports, and business personalities, blending commission and collaboration (Edward Kennedy, Paloma Picasso, and Keith Haring). Additionally, it features stars who shared Warhol’s extravagant social life and sometimes collaborated artistically with him (Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Mick Jagger).

Two immersive spaces recreate the experimental and glamorous environment Warhol frequented and the vibrant nightlife of New York during this period of extravagance and excitement:

• The Silver Factory: A multidisciplinary creation space designed by Warhol for himself and the artists he invited to collaborate.
• Studio 54: Where jet-setters, businessmen, top models, and personalities from around the world gathered to party.

Designed by renowned New York-based architect Ibrahim Kombarji, the exhibition harmoniously blends Warhol’s avant-garde spirit with cutting-edge architectural design, creating an environment that both reflects and enhances the experience of Warhol’s work.

“Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory” is an exhibition by Art for All, hosted at Foundry, a pioneering hybrid art space nestled in the heart of Downtown Dubai’s Boulevard.

Join us at Foundry in Dubai from September 20 to October 31 and immerse yourself in the world of Andy Warhol.

Tickets Available here