Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei
The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh
June 4th – August 28th, 2016
The Warhol’s current exhibition explores Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei’s similarities in theme and their influence on contemporary culture, while showcasing the differences of the artists practices. Although the artists were contemporaries during the 1980s, Ai Weiwei had a little impact and presence on Warhol and art of the time. It was only after he left for China, when he gained recognition in the global contemporary art scene.
There are more than 350 works in various media; such as drawing, film, new media, photography, painting, sculpture, and wallpaper. Including major contributions by both artists, famous for their artistic personas and their work produced. Andy Warhol being a leading figure in the development of Pop Art, represents 20th “American century” modernity; while Ai Weiwei depicts 21st century “ Chinese century” global issues. Throughout the show there are parallels created that highlight the nature of the artists dually breaking conventions. The exhibition creates a dialogue between the artists, throughout the seven floors of the building. Each floor representing a theme found in both artists’ work: capitalism and communism; readymade; social disease; surveillance and the state; cat’s; political and beautiful.
Curated by Eric Shiner, Max Delany, and Jessica Beck the show will run till August 28th in Pittsburgh.
