Andy Warhol Blackglama (F & S II.351) For Sale

Blackgama is a screenprint part of Andy Warhol’s 1985 10-part Ads portfolio where Warhol offers his own glamorised and updated renditions of vintage ads from the second half of the 20th century in this series.

What becomes a Legend most? The poised statement of Blackglama Furs suggests that it's one of their opulent coats, but Warhol's interpretation of this advertisement turns garment sales into a visual narrative that evokes the legacy of actress Judy Garland. When Garland visited The Factory's 1965 50 Most Beautiful People party, Warhol remarked, ‘It was odd because that night, for some reason, no one seemed to notice her… I noticed her, though. I always noticed Judy Garland’. And Warhol certainly makes Garland noticeable in this print. Her image in Warhol's Blackglama print draws the viewer's attention because to the vivid colour contrast against the black background as well as her charm. In this screenprint, Warhol's mastery of colour is particularly evident as Garland's iconic face pops off the page, immediately drawing your eye towards her, as if she is bathed in the light on a movie set. In addition to the Blackglama logo at the outer edges and a few highlighter-toned line accents, the piece has a distinct Warholian flair, but it also has a weight appropriate to its subject's life and legacy, making it feel more like a memorial poster than a commercial. A simple advert is transformed into an homage to the Judy Garland in a way similar to that of his Marilyn Monroe or Jackie Kennedy series. Her image has the same general shape as the original Blackglama commercial, but the blue tones that surround her colourless skin give it a ghostly, eerie appearance, perhaps symbolising her lost place in popular culture.

In this piece, Warhol is suggesting that Judy Garland is a commodity as much as a glamourous bottle of Chanel or a lowly Life Saver sweet. Ultimately, Warhol highlights the irony of celebrity and materialism by transforming a cinematic icon into a symbol of American consumer culture. Instead of being portrayed as the well-known, doe-eyed girl that captured America's heart in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), Garland is seen as a maturer, contemplative woman whose brief existence under the harsh movie set lights has made her both a victim and an icon of American popular culture long after her passing.

Buy Andy Warhol Blackglama (F & S II.351)

Andipa Editions, as part of Andipa, have been at the forefront of the Warhol market for over 20 years. To enquire about buying Blackglama (F & S II.351) by Andy Warhol, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371.

Sell Blackglama (F & S II.351) by Andy Warhol

With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Andy Warhol Blackglama (F & S II.351) print. Straight-forward and stress-free, we manage the process on your behalf and help to maximise your return. For a complimentary valuation of your Blackglama (F & S II.351) print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Andy Warhol original prints for sale.