This exhibition focuses on the accomplishments and influence of two major American artists, Andy Warhol and Richard Duardo, who both have had a significant presence at the McNay. Here, Warhol’s Liz hangs alongside Duardo’s Four Fridas, which not only pays homage to the great Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, but demonstrates Duardo’s great admiration for the work of Warhol. Duardo, often referred to as the West Coast Warhol, employs the Pop master’s use of multiple images set in a grid, vivid color palette, and photographic source material.
The presentation also includes works by other artists who were in some way influenced by Warhol and/or Duardo. Nearby is Raul Caracoza’s Young Frida Suite. Duardo assisted Caracoza in the creation of these bold and unforgettable images of a young and pensive Kahlo at his East Los Angeles print shop, Modern Multiples. Duardo’s print shop sought to foster the work of promising Latino/a artists, particularly those without formal training.
Other highlights in the exhibition are the works of Laredo-born Cesar Martinez. Martinez had a significant survey exhibition at the McNay in 1999. Although the museum started collecting Martinez’s art at that time, it was not until recently that the museum acquired any of the artist’s drawings. Two monumental pastels included here are outstanding examples of Martinez’s South Texas interpretation of Pop.
This presentation was possible through the generosity of visionary collectors of contemporary Latino/a art, Harriett and Ricardo Romo. Over the years, their gifts have afforded the McNay one of the best collections of this material to be found anywhere.
