Andy Warhol: The Photographic Legacy Program

Recent Gifts to the Hofstra University Museum 

David Filderman Gallery

July 20 - September 20, 2009

In the summer of 2008, the Hofstra University Museum was among a select group of college and university museums to receive a gift of 153 original photographs, both Polaroids and gelatin silver prints, by the noted Pop artist Andy Warhol. This recent acquisition, made possible through the generosity of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, enriches the Museum’s growing photography collection.

A selection of these photographs are included in the exhibition Andy Warhol: The Photographic Legacy Program, Recent Gifts to the Hofstra University Museum on view from July 20 through September 20, 2009 in the David Filderman Gallery, located on the Ninth floor of the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library.

Taking multiple images of the same model or celebrity, Warhol sometimes translated these images into paintings or prints. This group of photographs includes celebrities such as author Truman Capote, model/actress Grace Jones and ice hockey player Wayne Gretsky. Warhol was known for his cultivation of celebrities and the famous pronouncement that everyone would enjoy 15 minutes of fame. These photographs are a glimpse into the artist’s personal social life as well as his working method. From 1970 to 1987 Warhol took numerous Polaroid and black-and-white photographs, the majority of which have never been exhibited.

Andy Warhol, Paul Anka, 1975

Andy Warhol, Wayne Gretzky, 1983-84

Andy Warhol, Grace Jones, 1984

All photographs are © The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc.