Recently there was an excellent show in Calgary at the Museum of Contemporary Art, an exhibition entitled Andy Warhol: The Athlete Series. The exhibit ran for the month of January, so of course I managed to get downtown to see if on the last day. I mean they had already moved the wooden packing crates into the exhibition space! I am so glad I made the effort. What a treat seeing all that fantastic art right at my doorstep, and what an idiot I am waiting for the last day! But I did see it, and here’s a peak.
The exhibition features 10 Warhol paintings of Muhammed Ali, O.J. Simpson, Pele, Jack Nicklaus, Dorothy Hamill, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Chris Evert, Tom Seaver, Willie Shoemaker and Rod Gilbert. I only have one shot of this group as there were always people standing in my way. These paintings are from the collection of Richard Weisman from Seattle. He must have an incredible collection of art. Mr. Weisman was integral in connecting Andy Warhol with these athletes. You can see the paintings more clearly on this link on a wanted poster, as the entire collection was stolen from the Weisman residence in 2009. Hopefully the Weismans have upgraded their security by moving from Los Angeles.
The next 2 pieces show hockey star Wayne Gretzky. The first one shows a trial print testing color options. The second one is the “finished” piece. When you are as famous as Andy Warhol, you can frame (and sell) all your versions.
Also on display were several pieces on loan from collectors in Calgary and Vancouver. I loved these images of dancer Karin Kain, Queen Elizabeth II and Chairman Mao. They really were quite magnificent to see.
These last images show Andy Warhol’s iconic image of Marilyn Monroe boldly illuminated on Lite-Brite units. The display showed 12 units, and I’ve include a close up of one. I knew there was a reason I kept our Lite-Brite! As an artist I appreciate the creative use of an inexpensive children’s toy. If you want some digital fun with Lite-Brite, check this out.
The exhibit of sports figures now travels to the United States. Calgary was the only Canadian stop.
Time To Be Inspired 
Isn’t it amazing when looking at that last picture that MM is instantly recognisable from a few well placed dots [or whatever they were ] 😀
Paring down to the essentials works . Glad you made it Terri !
LikeLike
It was interesting that some color combos were easier to identify than others.
LikeLike
I love seeing the Lite Brites used in this way. When I was little, I used to have “art shows” with mine – I’d create a piece, then turn out the lights and invite everyone in the house to come to my show. As I look back on this, it’s no wonder I ended up studying Art History in college and curating a few shows while I was there!
LikeLike
I was wondering where Andy got the idea to use Lite-Brite… good on you!
LikeLike
Shame on me! I knew the exhibit was in town and did not make the effort. Glad to see some images here. Thanks for the post Terri…
LikeLike
I feel badly for not rallying the troops to see it. I will pay more attention in the future. I mean, if we’re willing to fly to Seattle to see some shows, we should be able to get downtown here!
LikeLike
Great Post.Thanks.
Ranu
LikeLike