The Art Institute of Chicago received a number of paintings from Stefan Edlis and his wife Gael Neeson valued by both Edlis and Museum experts at $400 million, according to the Chicago Tribune (Reported in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal as $500 million). The collection includes 42 pieces from artists like Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Edlis said The Art Institute made an offer he could not refuse. He wanted the collection to be seen and displayed for a significant amount of time, and The Art Institute agreed to exhibit the pieces in its modern wing starting in January and continuing for at least fifty years.

In an effort to celebrate one of the most significant gifts of pop art in the world today, here are pieces inspired by pop art giants, specifically Andy Warhol.

As the artist Laurentiu Todie describes, the rubber duck is a childhood favorite. The abstract, graphic representation is done in large digital pixelization. This work is reminiscent of Andy Warhol and Lichtenstein, which Todie lists as artists who have influenced him.

Many famous pieces of pop art are centered around pop culture. This cartoon inspired piece plays with the combination of language and art. The artist, Jeff Schaller, explained, “I paint using things that already exist; this is what feels true to me. I need to reflect on culture, past and present, as an arbiter of interpretation. I then explore the subtle nuances of language and life.”

The inspiration for this piece is most notably Warhol’s banana print featured on the Velvet Underground’s album cover.  This hand pulled silkscreen print is also inspired by geometric and Scandinavian design according to its artist, Luzelle van der Westhuizen.

Zatista’s own Richard Augustin is inspired by colors, iconic design, and inspiring people. Though the price of this work is far less than the 200 dollar bills Warhol displayed, Augustin explains, “One step to Crore [is] the serigraph of an Indian one hundred rupees banknote with Mahatma Gandhi. Crore means 10.000.000 rupees in Indian terminology.”

Pop Art is a relevant, growing topic in art today. With inspiration from iconic artists leaking into many up and coming artists’ work, it is important to display pop art proudly in our museums as Edlis so aptly explains. If his comments are foreshadowing, Pop Art will continue to permeate museums and galleries across the country.

 

 

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