Andy Warhol
ANDY WARHOL "MR. LEVI'S" POLAROID, 1984
Andy Warhol began using the big-shot Polaroid camera in 1971 and continued using it religiously until his death in 1987. Despite the camera being discontinued in 1973, he continued to use it to capture the actors, artists, dancers, politicians, socialites, and Factory members of his world.
Frequently, Warhol's Polaroids were used as preparatory works for his iconic silkscreen portraits or other artworks. They also revealed his immediate personal vision functioning as a chronicle of his surroundings and social life.
This image was likely created in the late 1970s. In 1977, Warhol began work on two new sexually-charged bodies of work, Torsos and Sex Parts. These two series are regarded as Warhol's most daring, arguably the most explicit gay work in his oeuvre. While this image by itself is playful and sexy - without being graphic, it deserves to be put in context with the other overtly gay image-making that Warhol was pursuing at this moment.
It is worth mentioning that this is the era that Robert Mapplethorpe begins to create and exhibit photographs that document underground gay culture and sexuality...and without a doubt Warhol was influenced by his courage and audacity. Yet simultaneously, Warhol had a number of commissions from a variety of consumer products creating advertisements for everything from Perrier to Halston Cosmetics to major label record covers. Was Levis a client...or was Warhol celebrating the unofficial uniform of gay men in the era?
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720. Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.
Untitled "Mr. Levi's"
USA, 1984
Unique polaroid print
Stamped on verso by the Estate of Andy Warhol and the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, Inc. and numbered H307251E.
Very good condition.
Provenance: Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts / the Estate of Andy Warhol.
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.