Andy Warhol’s close friend and collaborator, Christopher Makos, will travel from New York City to join Andy Warhol and Photography: A Social Media curator Julie Robinson in conversation as part of the exhibition’s opening weekend program. Speaking about his decade-long friendship with Warhol and his own career as a photographer, Makos will reminisce about his time as part of Warhol’s inner circle, socialising with celebrities at Studio 54 and Warhol’s studio, always with a camera by his side.
Other public program highlights include an ever-changing program of live music, talks and tours as part of the Gallery’s First Fridays program. On the first Friday of every month during the exhibition, visitors will enjoy a themed program inspired by Warhol’s life and art, including artist led workshops and demonstrations in screen-printing and analogue photography, and a wide range of performances celebrating contemporary independent music, theatre and fashion.
AGSA Director, Rhana Devenport ONZM says, ‘We look forward to welcoming guest speakers, including Christopher Makos, American photographer and Warhol’s close friend, and Henry Gillespie, one of Warhol’s collaborators and portrait sitters to AGSA as part of a dynamic line-up of programs and events for Andy Warhol and Photography: A Social Media.’
Headlining the 2023 Adelaide Festival’s visual arts program, Andy Warhol and Photography brings together a wealth of works from national and international public and private collections to offer a fresh perspective on the influential artist. Decades before social media, Warhol’s photography was candid, collaborative and social, revealing behind-the-scenes glimpses into his own life and the lives of friends and celebrities, including Muhammad Ali, Bob Dylan, Debbie Harry, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Liza Minnelli, Lou Reed and Elizabeth Taylor.
Andy Warhol and Photography: A Social Media opens at AGSA as part of the 2023 Adelaide Festival on 3 March 2023 and runs until 14 May 2023.
Public program highlights
Exhibition Tours
Daily 11am & 2pm, exhibition ticket required
Take a tour of Andy Warhol and Photography: A Social Media with a Gallery Guide.
The Studio: Silver Cloud
Open weekends and school holidays, free
The Silver Factory was Andy Warhol’s studio in New York City from 1964 to 1968. It was given this name as the entire studio was wrapped in silver foil that covered the walls and ceilings. Warhol proclaimed that ‘silver was the future’ and The Factory became a launching pad for future art. It was also described as a silver spaceship that could explore new artistic galaxies. Warhol’s superstars were New York personalities who appeared in his photographs and films. Sometimes they were everyday people and Warhol is described as having ‘waved his artistic wand’ to declare them superstars. Who are your everyday superstars? Create a silver print portrait of your superstar in the Silver Cloud Studio. Share your portrait by adding it to our silver walls or share online #agsa.
An Evening with Christopher Makos, Andy Warhol’s friend and collaborator
Friday 3 March, 6pm, ticketed, bookings essential
Join us for an in-depth conversation with New York-based photographer Christopher Makos, Warhol’s friend and collaborator. Makos will be in conversation with Julie Robinson, curator of Andy Warhol and Photography: A Social Media. Complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival.
An Evening with Henry Gillespie, Warhol’s friend and portrait subject
Friday 5 May, 6pm, ticketed, bookings essential
Meet Warhol’s famous Australian sitter – Henry Gillespie. Be regaled with tales from New York City and hear about Warhol’s magazine Interview and Gillespie’s role as Australian editor. Gillespie will be in conversation with Julie Robinson, curator of Andy Warhol and Photography: A Social Media. Complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival.
Andy Warhol and Photography: A Social Media
3 March – 14 May 2023
Art Gallery of South Australia