Andy Warhol Orangutan (FS II.299) For Sale

The 1983 screenprint Organgutan is taken from the artist's Endangered Species portfolio. The animals in the portfolio were in danger of going extinct because of factors like habitat loss or climate change. Ronald Feldman, an art dealer and gallerist, commissioned Warhol to choose ten animals that were then thought to be threatened enough to be listed under the US Endangered Species Act of 1973. The intention was to draw attention to endangered species and raise public awareness of environmental protection and conservation. Because of the vivid and intense colours he employed to create these animal portraits, Warhol called this portfolio his "animals in make-up."

The print depicts This piece stands out from the rest of the portfolio, as rather than Warhol’s vivacious Pop Palette, the head of an orangutan is depicted in a defined and more muted array of orange, yellow and brown. Warhol utilises hints of a light blue to highlight the mouth and eyes of the orangutan, adding a more sombre tone to the print. The orangutan's sorrowful gaze is highlighted by the green and white expressive lines that separate it from the background, pulling on the heartstrings of the viewer. Despite the more naturalistic colours of orange for the orangutan’s body, Warhol places it in front of a block of bright yellow, far from the natural colours of its green environment. Although orangutans were originally prevalent throughout several Asian nations, they are now only found in Borneo and Sumatra as a result of the spread of civilization and unfavourable environmental conditions.

Warhol's trademark screen printing method was used to create the print, which displays his colour and dynamic line experiments. In doing so, Warhol turns the orangutan into a symbol of Pop Art for the twentieth century. By doing this, Warhol forces the audience to consider the threat to endangered species like orangutans, whose demise is a result of humankind's self-centred attitude.

Buy Andy Warhol Orangutan (F & S II.299)

Andipa Editions, as part of Andipa, have been at the forefront of the Warhol market for over 20 years. To enquire about buying  Orangutan (F & S II.299) by Andy Warhol, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371.

Sell Orangutan (F & S II.299) by Andy Warhol

With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Andy Warhol Orangutan (F & S II.299) 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 Orangutan (F & S II.299) print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Andy Warhol original prints for sale.