Created in 1983, the series consists of 10 silkscreen prints featuring images of animals that were endangered or threatened with extinction. The series was a collaboration between Warhol and his friend, the art dealer and gallerist Ron Feldman, and it was created in support of the Endangered Species Act, which was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1973.
The law was designed to protect and conserve endangered and threatened species and their habitats. The Endangered Species Act aims to prevent the extinction of imperilled species and to provide for their recovery by a variety of measures. It has been credited with helping to save many species from extinction, including the bald eagle, the grey wolf, and the American alligator. However, the Act has also been criticised by some for its perceived economic impacts on land use and development. Nevertheless, the ESA remains a cornerstone of wildlife conservation in the United States and has become a model for similar legislation in other countries around the world.
The personal inspiration behind the series was Warhol's concern for the environment and his desire to draw attention to the plight of endangered species. Warhol was known for his interest in mass media and popular culture, and he believed that his art could be used as a tool for social and political commentary. By creating a series of prints featuring endangered animals, Warhol hoped to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and the need to protect endangered species from extinction.
The animals featured in the series are:
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Grevy's Zebra
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Bighorn Ram
The portfolio of 10 screenprints on Lenox museum board were released as a signed edition of 150, 30 APs, 5 PP, 5 EPs, 3 HCs, 10 numnbered in Roman numerals, 1 BAT and 30 TPs.
The "Endangered Species" series was not only a political statement but also a significant artistic achievement for Warhol. The series demonstrated his mastery of the silkscreen printing technique, which he had pioneered in the 1960s. The prints were created using a variety of techniques, including layering multiple screens to create complex colour patterns and using textured papers to add depth and dimension to the images.
Today, the "Endangered Species" prints are highly sought after by collectors and are considered some of Warhol's most iconic works. The series remains an important reminder of the fragility of the natural world and the ongoing need for conservation and protection of endangered species.
Read more on Warhol in our article how to authenticate a Warhol print.
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