In collaboration with Dasmaximum and Ayn Foundation, Mana Contemporary presents a selection of Andy Warhol’s original silkscreens, including some which have never been shown in the United States. The exhibition is in Mana’s first floor gallery. Showcasing 91 works, ranging from 1967-1987, this expansive selection reflects the personal relationship between the iconic artist and his friend and collaborator, Heiner Friedrich, which began in 1965. Friedrich, founder and director of Dasmaximum, has had a long career presenting large-scale exhibitions such as these, including for the DIA Art Foundation.

In 1949, after completing his studies in commercial art from the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, Warhol moved to New York, where he quickly earned a reputation as one of the most highly regarded graphic designers in the city. After 1960, he devoted himself exclusively to art and, as a co-founder of Pop Art, became one of the world’s most prominent artists.

By legitimizing the silkscreen technique that previously had been employed only for commercial use—and by selecting motifs from areas of consumer society—he pushed at and extended the limits of art, design, and commerce. Warhol’s level of technical skill and in-depth knowledge of color is most vividly on display in this exhibition of original silkscreens.

He is most recognized for his sensitivity to social trends, subtle political commentary, and ability to stylize everyday objects into masterpieces; but he was also an excellent craftsman. His unusually large formats and special treatments of the surface—diamond dust, relief printing, or fluorescent ink—give this encounter a particularly special experience. The works on view include Marilyn Monroe (1967), Campbell’s Soup Can (1968), Mao (1972), Flowers (1970), Skulls (1976), Lenin (1987), Kimiko (1981), Sunset (1972) the Love series (1982-83), and Saint Apollonia (1984)—will be on view. Within the overall oeuvre, they set varying points of emphasis, demonstrating Warhol’s unmatched precision, creativity, and confidence, unreservedly reinforcing his status as one of the most important artists of all time.

About Ayn Foundation Ayn Foundation was founded in 1993 and is dedicated to presenting comprehensive, large-scale installations by major international artists to the public. Other current projects include Andy Warhol’s The Last Supper and Maria Zerres’ September Eleven, located in Marfa, Texas. Past projects include the establishment of the Arnulf Rainer Museum in Chelsea, New York, from 1993-1995; as well as projects by Joa Baldinger, John Chamberlin, and Dan Flavin.

Located in Traunreut, Germany, Dasmaximum is a museum for contemporary art. This 4000 square meter space provides an opportunity for viewers to experience international post-war and contemporary works. Artists include Georg Baselitz, John Chamberlain, Walter De Maria, Dan Flavin, Imi Knoebel, Uwe Lausen, Blinky Palermo, Andy Warhol and Maria Zerres.