Toronto’s art scene, both underground and mainstream, has seen several huge names breeze into town the last couple of years – Basquiat most noticeably among them. It’s fitting, then, that one of Basquiat’s good friends is the focal point of Toronto’s next must-see gallery attraction – Andy Warhol!
LA’s Revolver Gallery focuses on exclusively Warhol pieces for sale, but it’s owner, GTA-born Ron Rivlin wanted to take his show on the road. “Being a native of Toronto, the city holds a very special place in my heart. It is an important part of the person I am today, and I feel compelled to give back to Toronto with this exhibition,” he said.
What pieces can we expect to see? For now, that’s largely under wraps. What we do know is that there will be more than 120 pieces, including Warhol’s most famous works – the Campbell’s Soup cans, original silk-screen portraits of Marilyn Monroe, and Mick Jagger, to start. Though unconfirmed, we’re hoping the expansive show will include some of Warhol’s more memorable collaborations, like Keith Haring or the aforementioned Basquiat.
This exhibit goes far beyond Rivlin’s personal (and enviable) collection, including pieces from other private collectors, museums, and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The multi-level attraction will also include elements from Warhol’s infamous New York City studio, The Factory, as well as audio and video installations. There’ll even be an app you can download on your arrival.
In the exhibit’s 6-month run, Torontonians can also look forward to event series and lectures.
A similar, but smaller-scale, Warhol exhibit also run by Revolver saw upwards of 50,000 attendants in two months – so make sure you stop by this one! Find it at 77 Bloor St W from July 1 to December 31. See you there!
Been to a great art event we should know about? Tell us on Twitter!