Queensland cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast, is presenting Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, a world-class exhibition of rare Pop Art from prominent art collector Jose Mugrabi.
The exhibition, which opened on February 18, spotlights works by legends of the art scene from the 1970s and ‘80s, inlcuding Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. Together, this collection of their works paints a unique picture of Pop Art from the past 60 years.
More than 10 works by Pop Art pioneer Andy Warhol introduces visitors to the exhibition, which includes iconic portraits such as Sixteen Jackies (1964) and his deeply personal painting, Cross (1982).
Works by Keith Haring recognise the connections between Pop Art and Street Art and include one of his earliest pieces from 1979, which features alongside his highly symbolic Untitled (Dancing Dogs).
Pop Masters also shines a light on Jean-Michel Basquiat, one of the late 20th century’s most important artists. The exhibition includes his famous painting New York, New York (1981) and work from a collaboration with Warhol.
Contemporary highlights on display include the 2.8-metre tall sculpture What Party (2018) by KAWS and includes If it sees, blind it, a section from Barbara Kruger’s famed 2009 installation Between being born and dying, which transformed the foyer of New York’s famed Lever House.
“Pop Art is a movement that challenges the traditions of fine art,” says Damien Holley, Dealer Principal, Porsche Centre Gold Coast. “It redefined the traditional parameters of what constitutes art and what it means to be an artist. These distinctive characteristics align so well with Porsche, which continues to push boundaries and invent new technologies as part of its commitment to continual improvement. Porsche is a company that is not afraid to tread its own path.”
The exhibition spotlights works by legends of the art scene from the 1970s and ‘80s, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.
HOTA CEO Criena Gehrke said: “The partnership between HOTA and Porsche aligns our bold artistic ambitions with Porsche’s company vision as a brand for those who follow their dreams. This intersects perfectly to enable us to bring an international world-exclusive exhibition to the Gold Coast and we couldn’t do it without our corporate sponsors. This exhibition comes from a private collection that rarely leaves New York. It draws on the history of Pop Art, whilst examining its influence on art and artists today.
“In creating Pop Masters, we wanted to explore the intersections in the lives, ideas and practices of this significant group of artists. Many of them knew each other, collaborated or have been influenced by each other, and we have acknowledged this in the design of the exhibition, which sees these incredible artworks in dialogue with one another.
“There are iconic artworks from the legends of pop art, alongside artists whose work was inspired by them.”
Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York runs from 18 February until 4 June 2023.
Info
Visit the official HOTA website for more information about Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York.
