INDIANAPOLIS — An intriguing exhibit on the work and life of Pop Art Icon Andy Warhol will be on view at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, March 12 through Aug. 7. Warhol’s West is a traveling exhibition that explores the fascination Warhol had with the American West and Native Americans. Making the exhibition even more engaging will be a series of public programs at the Eiteljorg where visitors can learn more about Warhol and his art.
The show will feature Warhol’s screenprint portraits created late in his career of important historical figures of the West, including Geronimo, Annie Oakley and Sitting Bull, as well as of pop culture figures such as Western movie actor John Wayne. Warhol’s West includes source material such as photographs Warhol used to adapt and create his prints, as well as movie posters and lobby cards from one of his films. Adding to a discussion of the ways in which Native cultures have been culturally appropriated and represented, the exhibit also will feature a selection of Native American images by noted photographer Edward S. Curtis, whose work Warhol collected extensively.
Internationally known for his Pop Art creations of the 1960s, including screenprints of Marilyn Monroe and famous images of the Campbell’s Soup can and Brillo soap pad box, Warhol also harbored a lifelong interest in the West, and he personally collected items of Native American art and Western art. Twenty-one original silkscreen prints in bold colors are featured in Warhol’s West. Many come from the series Cowboys and Indians, the final suite of prints that Warhol created in 1986, not long before his death in 1987 at age 58.
Several related museum programs about Warhol’s work that encourage public involvement and discussion will coincide with the exhibition, including opening day activities on March 12, an author talk with Stuart Lenig March 26, and Family Day activities April 23.
Other summer public programs will be scheduled at the Eiteljorg during the course of Warhol’s West. On Saturday Aug. 6, the penultimate day of the exhibition, the museum plans to host a Warhol’s Birthday Bash Trivia Night event; check eiteljorg.org/events for details. At the Eiteljorg Museum Store, the related art catalog is available for purchase: Warhol in the West, featuring works from the show.
Admission to the Eiteljorg is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and free for members. Hours are Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. noon-5 p.m. The Eiteljorg is located at 500 W. Washington St. Free parking is available in the White River Underground Parking garage.
