Halcyon Gallery in London just opened its doors to a groundbreaking exhibition dedicated to the legendary American pop artist and cultural icon, Andy Warhol. The “Beyond the Brand” exhibit, spanning the gallery’s two Mayfair sites at 29 and 148 New Bond Street, promises a comprehensive overview of Warhol’s creative life, showcasing his most iconic print portfolios, commercial works, and a few rarely seen original canvases.
“Beyond the Brand” delves into the extraordinary power of Warhol’s artistic vision and the contributions he made to art history and culture. The exhibition, curated by Halcyon Gallery’s creative director, Kate Brown, features a rare gem for watch lovers: a Rado Anatom canvas. Painted in vibrant colors, this masterpiece is one of the final commissions and last works undertaken by Warhol before his passing in 1987.
The Anatom canvas that is part of the exhibition is different from the one he first unveiled to the world in New York City of 1987. At that point in time, Warhol painted three canvas works of art celebrating the then 70thanniversary of Rado and the then-revolutionary Anatom watch. The event, which I attended, was a huge success, and 100 signed/numbered prints of one of the canvas drawings were made and distributed to guests. Those reproductions are of a different canvas artwork than is on exhibit in London.
Rado has long been known for its innovative use of materials and was a pioneer in high-tech ceramics. Just this past December (2023), at Art Miami, Rado announced the relaunch of The Anatom watch.
The “Beyond the Brand” exhibit explores Warhol’s unusual love of the intersection between art and commerce, a theme that has had a profound impact on subsequent generations. The exhibit features the Ads series, where Warhol reimagined famous advertisements, including Apple computers, Volkswagen cars, and Chanel No. 5 perfume, transforming them into powerful works of art. The silkscreen prints and paintings from this series will be displayed together for the first time in the UK, making the exhibition a must-see for Warhol enthusiasts and collectors.
According to Paul Green, Founder and President of Halcyon Gallery, working with Warhol masterpieces is nothing new. “‘For over 30 years, Halcyon has been privileged to participate in the acquisition and sale of works by one of the most important and influential artists the world has ever seen. Our long-standing commitment to building distinguished art collections … has only enhanced our expertise in showcasing and handling his work.”
The smaller exhibition space at 29 New Bond Street will spotlight Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans, accompanied by ephemera illustrating the profound impact of this motif on culture. Meanwhile, 148 New Bond Street will feature an immersive room showcasing Keith Haring’s Andy Mouse portfolio, paying tribute to Warhol’s influence on artists and the changing face of the New York art scene. The exhibition opened to the public on last week and will continue until mid-March.