ANDY WARHOL: GUN PAINTINGS
November 20 - December 19, 1998

Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987), one of the most controversial figures of the American Pop Art movement, was often seduced by the mysteries of mortality. He returned to the topic many times throughout his career. The Guns, however seem to be the culmination of his commercialization of violence. The paintings elicit contradictory responses; they are sensual yet cold, simultaneously attracting and repelling the viewer. Their steely cool lines project and portray an implied violence, yet their inertia renders them passive and benign.

The series of eighteen paintings, Guns, created between 1982 and 1983, will be exhibited in Chicago for the first time. Richard Gray Gallery, located in the John Hancock Center, at 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2503, is excited to host this powerful exhibition from November 20 - December 20, 1998.