Image: The rare Andy Warhol photographs on show for the first time ever
BANANAS, 1978 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK.
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The rare Andy Warhol photographs on show for the first time ever

27 September 2021

Fotografiska New York's new exhibit 'Photo Factory' contains some of the iconic artist's never-before-seen polaroids, hand-stitched photos and films

Few can claim they entertain fruit in the same way they do Dolly Parton — save for Andy Warhol. The era-defining artist’s simple pairing of a white background and his polaroid camera made him a great equaliser of sorts: “You see him treat some of the most famous people of their time — Grace JonesDebbie HarryKeith Haring — the same way he’s treating banal subjects like bananas,” says Amanda Hajjar, the organiser of Warhol’s latest exhibit, Photo Factory, at Fotografiska New York. Perhaps you want to get a glimpse of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s crotch from 1983? Or revel in a 1982 Jane Fonda (because of course)? Whatever your pleasure, the 124-piece show doubles as Warhol’s visual diary across mediums; from his hand-stitched photography work to his films.  

Few can claim they entertain fruit in the same way they do Dolly Parton — save for Andy Warhol. The era-defining artist’s simple pairing of a white background and his polaroid camera made him a great equaliser of sorts: “You see him treat some of the most famous people of their time — Grace JonesDebbie HarryKeith Haring — the same way he’s treating banal subjects like bananas,” says Amanda Hajjar, the organiser of Warhol’s latest exhibit, Photo Factory, at Fotografiska New York. Perhaps you want to get a glimpse of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s crotch from 1983? Or revel in a 1982 Jane Fonda (because of course)? Whatever your pleasure, the 124-piece show doubles as Warhol’s visual diary across mediums; from his hand-stitched photography work to his films.  

As for the why now, Fotografiska purposefully reacquainted us with Warhol following a period of time marked by fatigue, grief and isolation. “New York is coming out of a tough moment,” shares Amanda. “We’re getting back into the rhythm of things as a city, and Warhol allows us to have this celebratory moment.” Given the artist’s decades in New York, the curatorial team felt he was an emblem of reentry and, quite simply, much needed play. Between his legendary work (and mere existence) and the breadth of subjects and scenes Warhol captured, Photo Factory brings to life the characters of a beloved New York.

Andy Warhol: Photo Factory is open now through January 23, 2022 at Fotografiska New York.

JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT DINNER AT MR. CHOW, 1985 UNIQUE GELATIN SILVER PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS,...

JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT DINNER AT MR. CHOW, 1985 UNIQUE GELATIN SILVER PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK.

DOLLY PARTON, 1985 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY ARTISTS RIGHTS...

DOLLY PARTON, 1985 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK.

GRACE JONES, 1984 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY ARTISTS RIGHTS...

GRACE JONES, 1984 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN (EASHA MCCLEARY), 1974 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED...

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN (EASHA MCCLEARY), 1974 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK.

KEITH HARING AND JUAN DUBOSE, 1983 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED...

KEITH HARING AND JUAN DUBOSE, 1983 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK.

DOLLY PARTON AND KEITH HARING, 1985 UNIQUE GELATIN SILVER PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC....
DOLLY PARTON AND KEITH HARING, 1985 UNIQUE GELATIN SILVER PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK.

 

 
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN (MARSHA JOHNSON), 1974 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED...

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN (MARSHA JOHNSON), 1974 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY ARTIST RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK.

DEBBIE HARRY, 1980 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY ARTISTS RIGHTS...
DEBBIE HARRY, 1980 UNIQUE POLAROID PRINT © THE ANDY WARHOL FOUNDATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTS, INC. LICENSED BY ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS), NEW YORK.
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