Revolver Gallery
An Interview With the
Andy Warhol Specialists
What started the idea of a museum-quality exhibition dedicated to the art of Andy Warhol?
At the end of the day, it comes down to passion; specifically, my passion for Warhol and the city of Toronto. I see Andy Warhol as one of the greatest artists in the history of contemporary art and Toronto as one of the most culturally vibrant cities. With the role pop culture plays in our current society, I believe that the timing is right for this exhibition. I think Toronto needs this exhibition.
Can you tell us how Revolver Gallery got started?
Before Revolver Gallery, I spent years in the music industry here in the Los Angeles area. As I look back on it now, it was only natural that I would cross paths with the art world eventually. Being from Canada and having an interest in street and pop art, the first work I ever purchased was a portrait of Wayne Gretzky, by Warhol. I don’t know how to describe it… A switch had flipped the moment I had it installed, and then it happened – I fell in love. I felt compelled to do something with my newfound passion and share it with others. I truly feel that Warhol’s work says a lot of our current times, even 25 years after his death. I wanted to bring that message and commentary to a wider audience.
Andy Warhol’s art is still wildly popular. To what do you attribute that?
This is an excellent question! I think it is attributed to a combination of different factors. Warhol’s work is accessible, simplistic, beautiful; it’s something you can take at face value. Sometimes an artist’s body of work explores themes in a very cryptic way. I find that this alienates those who appreciate art. Art is something to enjoy, something one should be able to relate to, visually or in some other way. In this respect,
I think Warhol nails it better than any other artist. Everything you need to know or understand is right there. Additionally, I think our current culture is more obsessed with fame and celebrity. Warhol explored these themes in his work and was ahead of his time in that respect. I think that, in some ways, his commentary and artistic investigation into fame and pop culture is more relevant today than it was back when he was making it.
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