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Last yeae, Andipa played host to an exciting joint collaboration between teztile designer Meoldi Horne and Silk Avenue bespoke rugs to celebrate London Design Festival. The joint collaboration between these two British design companies witnessed the ground floor of our gallery hosting a selection of their beautiful designs. In today's article, we speak with Jeff Holtgen Managing Director of Silk Avenue about how bespoke items can transform your interiors and the artistry inherent in their bespoke designs.

For over half a decade, David Hockney has produced seminal works that have influenced pop art and wider culture. Within his prolific and masterful output, some of his most famous works are, without doubt, his pool series. Indeed, his paintings of pools such as “Bigger Splash” and “Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)”  have broken auction records and further cemented him as one of the greats. In today’s blog, we dive into Hockney’s pools as we welcome Lithograph of Water Made of Thick Lines and Two Light Blue Washes (T.207) back into our collection. 

Muses, and the use of a female protagonist as the focal point for an artwork, have existed in the arts for nearly as long as the span of human existence and our expression of artistic creation. In modern figurative usage, a Muse may be a source of artistic inspiration, but historically the concept of Muses spring from the ancient Greeks. In the first century BC, Diodorus Siculus cited Homer and Hesiod to the contrary, observing:

“Writers similarly disagree also concerning the number of the Muses; for some say that there are three, and others that there are nine, but the number nine has prevailed since it rests upon the authority of the most distinguished men, such as Homer and Hesiod and others like them.”

With muses often being presented in a female form, we explore the presentation of woman according to three common archetypes found across art: the “Femme Fatale”, the “Damsel in Distresss” and ”Innocence”.

Pioneer. Activist. Influencer. Artist. To many people Keith Haring was many things and his multi-facted life, and approach to it, had a great impact on both the artworld and the society in which he worked. Haring made serious movements as a social and political activist who used his fame and reach to address important causes of the day and via his self-created platform of art he was able to introduce both his works and different ways of thinking to as many people as possible. In today’s blog we look at how Haring impacted not only the society of the day but how his legacy continues to inspire artists across the globe.

“I prefer living in colour” David Hockney.

One of, if not the most important artists of his generation, David Hockney’s works live amongst the world’s great museums and collections. Both critically and commercially, Hockney continues to attract new buyers as collectors seek to add this exciting artist to their collections. In today’s article we explore the artist, his style and his influences.

In the span of his sadly short career and life, Keith Haring’s prolific output forever changed the direction of street art and pop culture. Haring's distinct style was alien from the prevailing styles of the time and was inspired by a variety of artistic sources (mainly contemporary and outsider art) all the while rooted in the backdrop of hip hop and counterculture that washed the streets. Influenced by the art of his father who used to draw comic strips, the beatniks and, later, the use of psychedelic drugs, Haring's pictorial language was replete with influences of central American, African and Oceanic cultures. What’s more, Haring’s style allowed him to transcend ego and the self, unlike tagging which is inherently egoistic and focused on the individual executing the work. It is not only in his works that Haring influenced the artworld but his very approach to distributing his pieces and with this in mind, we look into the history of Haring’s pop shops. 

"Bad artists imitate, great artists steal”. Banksy. Picasso. The line between homage and a copy is never easy to define. Often blurred, sometimes thick, an artist using imagery and motifs created by another can often cause great debate. Whilst it is true that lineage and influences can be traced and that the complex web that interconnects the  history of art, and by extension, the artworks contained within form an intriguing map that takes us from prehistoric cave paintings to NFTs. In today’s article, we look at how Banksy pays homage to three of our most favourite artists and repurposes and reuses their famous motifs in his own works.

Inspired by a recent trip to New York, the Andipa Editions team felt a renewed interest and appreciation for the works of Keith Haring. Whilst not hailing from New York City, his life and works are most commonly associated with the Big Apple, and what could be more New York than looking at his subway drawings.

Andipa were recently in New York City for the launch of the latest leg of the critically acclaimed Banksy exhibition ‘Castles in the Sky’. Following on from previous locations which were curated by Andipa, we took the decision to step back as the esteemed location, 250 Bowery, the former International Center of Photography, is not an academic venue. However, all original paintings and sculptures were kindly loaned by collectors of Andipa. In between meetings with other galleries and museums, our team had the opportunity to explore the Lower East Side taking in the phenomenal array of street art. In our article, we look into the history of the area and share some of our favourite works.

Andy Warhol’s unpublished prints can be categorised into three parts: Personal Projects, Commissioned Projects, and Portraits. Naturally, for an artist as prolific as Warhol his experimentation led him to explore ideas and his creativity creating prints that were not released as editions. The majority of Warhol’s unpublished prints were produced from the mid-1970s to his death in 1987 - a period of the artist's life where he explored creative endeavours outside of art including filmmaking, advertising and fashion. Many of the unpublished works that were created during this period are unique as during this epoque Warhol explored colour and composition during proofing.

Nations and its people often draw from shared images, motifs and institutions to sculpt and create our national identities. Indeed, a person's national identity results directly from the presence of elements from the "common points" in people's daily lives: national symbols, languages, colours, nation's history, shared culture and so on. In today’s blog, we look at how Banksy questions perhaps one of the most important symbols in Britain: The Royals through three works.

The enduring fascination and intrigue that has surrounded Marylin Monroe for more than 50 years certainly continues to grow in 2022 with the launch of the latest Netflix documentary, ‘The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes’ which attempts to uncover the secrets behind the fated stars' much public personal life. Elsewhere, and more pertinent to the artworld, an iconic portrait of Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol is expected to fetch more than $200 million at Christie’s this month - a world record breaking highest estimate ever recorded for a work of art at auction. In our latest blog we review the popular series, examine the history behind Warhol and Monroe and explore the famous Shot Sage Blue Marilyn.

The sacred role of the artist in society can take on many forms as they seek to express, critique and question what we as a society value and, as a result, they turn the microscope from the collective to the individual causing us to question even ourselves. For millennia, artists have inhabited a special space that places them above the society, and by extension, rules that we have accepted. In today’s article, we look at how the world’s most in-demand artist Banksy takes this concept of the artist as the interrogator of society’s values and apply that to how authority is questioned through six of his seminal works.

Born in Pennsylvania, in 1958, Haring was inspired by Walt Disney and Dr Seuss to start drawing as a child. The basic cartoon drawing that he developed, inspired by these two icons of Americana and his father, led him to the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh, a commercial arts school, where he became disinterested in commercial art and pursued a career as a graphic artist, dropping out after two semesters.

War, sadly, is a fact of life. Whilst humans have evolved and living standards across the world have generally improved, war seems to be a constant inalienable part of human existence. Even in the 21st century our bellicose nature never appears to be too far away from the surface and ready to erupt in death and destruction. Indeed, war has been a subject for artists throughout recorded history and the present is no exception. In today’s article we explore war as told through five seminal works by Banksy. 

15 minutes of fame is surely fleeting enough. Or is it? In today’s article we explore and review both the latest Andy Warhol Netflix documentary series and the hit West End play ‘The Collaboration”.

Along with butterflies and skulls, spots are synonymous with Damien Hirst. Iconic and instantly recognisable, Hirst’s spot works pop directly at the viewer with colours that leap and fade from the prints. In today’s blog, and to celebrate the availability of Hirst’s 12 Woodcut series at Andipa Editions, we look into Hirst and his spot works.

Love is in the air as couples across the world celebrate their relationship and their love. Indeed, February the 14th is Valentine’s Day and to honour the occasion, we look into a recurring theme within Banksy’s prolific and seminal output: Love.

Banksy was back in the headlines recently with a big result on a small scale. Following on from his Great British Spraycation adventures of last year one of the stellar new street works he produced recently sold at auction for more than £1m GBP.

One of the most important British artists, Damien Hirst’s prolific output and subsequent earnings are only matched by his critical acclaim. Brash and bold, sensitive and scintillating, Damien Hirst the most successful British artist of all time. As evocative as they are provocative, Damien Hirst's artworks bring together an artist at the height of his abilities both conceptually and in the defiant execution of his ideas. Both shocking and sweet, the works of the artist reflect a beauty that can be found in the infinite: be it in his series of skulls (organic) or the iconic dot silkscreens (mechanical). A certain duality exists in all of Hirst's works and his prints are no exception. In today’s blog, we explore four of our favourite works.

It is no secret that politics influences our lives. Crafting the fabric that we live in, politics and its influence on our immediate, daily experiences and the world around us cannot be understated. Artists, never impervious to such influences, can enter into a discourse with politics and bring such discourse to life through their works. In today’s blog we examine two  famous prints by Andy Warhol in regards to the politics of his era.

Andy Warhol’s exploration of both consumerism and its power are evident both across his works and in his modus operandi. Repetition, a central tenet to his printmaking mastery, throws daily motifs, logos, faces and people in front of the camera as Warhol becomes, not only the creator of the works, but the subject too.  From Campbell's Soup cans to Marilyn Monroe, Chanel perfume bottles (No. 5 of course) to Chairman Mao,  a journey through Warhol's prints is as much a journey through the icons of the 20th century as they are a celebration.

Welcome to the first blog of the New Year where we reflect on the first major auction that has taken place in January with strong sales showing a buoyant start. Taking place at Phillips London between the 19-20 January 2022 Evening & Day Editions showcased a plethora of artists who are household names.

The festive season is fast approaching and with it we rewind the clock at Andipa Editions and look to the past at a series of Banksy exhibitions that helped to cement him as Britain’s most prominent street artist. Taking place yearly between 2002-2007, Santa’s Ghetto was a pop up concept store that appeared in various locations across London. Organised by Pictures on Walls, the yearly show was a group exhibition featuring artists represented by the esteemed publishers. Showcasing editions, originals and sculptures notable artists included Jamie Hewlett, Mode 2, Space Invader and, of course, Banksy.

In our latest blog we cover the recent support by Banksy in the Colston statue trial that is currently taking place. Never one to step back from an injustice, the world’s most in-demand artist has released a limited edition t-shirt to support the four who are standing trial. In an Instagram post, Banksy said the shirts would be limited to one per person, and proceeds would go "to the defendants so they can go for a pint".

The world’s most in-demand artist was once again back in the headlines as Banksy offered to raise millions of pounds towards the purchasing of Reading Prison, where Oscar Wilde was once held, to turn the location into an arts venue.

Last year Andipa released a limited allocation of Banksy’s Di-Faced Tenners from our private collection that delighted collectors across the world with their barbed interplay and subversion of modern icons. Challenging the notion of celebrity, power and wealth the works are Banksy at his best. In today’s blog we look at the story behind the Di-Faced Tenners.

In today’s blog, we speak with gallery Director Acoris Andipa about his three favourite Banksy prints and why these are a must have for collectors.

As an artist, Banksy effortlessly employs many pop-culture references in his work. Recognisable to many, the artist simultaneously creates both familiar and unfamiliar motifs that straddle the boundary between the uncanny identifiable and the alien. In today’s blog, we explore the use of the acid house smiley face in three of his iconic works.  

A symbol for the acid house generation, the motif  was originally designed in the 60s as a logo for an insurance company. Hijacked briefly by American counterculture in the 70s the bright yellow face crashed back into popular consciousness with acid house in the late 80s.

What do Toronto based rapper Drake and the enfant terrible of British art, Damien Hirst, have in common? Aside from both critical and commercial success in their respective fields the pair have recently unveiled a collaboration which saw Hirst create the cover art for the rapper’s latest album Certified Lover Boy.

It is no secret that the Banksy market has been an interesting one to observe both from near and far. The popularity of the artist whose impact on both his genre, the art world and wider society continues to grow and his influence and demand for his works show no signs of abating.

Andipa are delighted to announce the launch of our new temporary website dedicated to original works by the world’s most influential and sought after artists. On the new website, Director Acoris Andipa says, “Throughout our 54 years of history in our knightsbridge townhouse we have often reinvented ourselves. We are doing so once again. To be announced in the coming months.”

The great British Summer. One of those mythical promises that seem to come true once every few years. With travel restrictions still in place as the United Kingdom slowly moves out of lockdown and to a welcome sense of normality, Brits have been urged to look towards home and take their summer breaks closer to home than usual. The world’s most popular artist too has embraced this concept with recent works appealing across East Anglian coastal towns.

Art and artists inhabit an unusual space within society and wider culture. Taking up seemingly diametric positions of challenging and questioning our world whilst simultaneously drawing from it, this hallowed position allows for ideas and concepts to flourish and grow. In the modern world with our 24 hour news and swipe left/right lifestyle the importance of challenging and commenting on what surrounds us is more important than ever. Banksy effortlessly and thoughtful picks up the mantle of what it means to be an artist with his intelligent, poignant and witty commentary on 21st century life. One such subject that recurs within his cannon is that of consumerism. Indeed, one would be hard pressed to think of the artist without his approach to the divisive subject. In today’s blog, we examine three iconic works by the elusive street artist seeking to understand the artist’s views and portrayal of consumerism and how these works fit into his wider narrative.

This week (25th of June 2021) has seen the world’s most popular artist lose two more trademarks in his iconic portfolio. Experts have suggested that Banksy will no longer be able to claim legal rights to his artwork following the latest ruling which means that he has now lost rights to a total of four of his works.

On a busy evening of 12th of May 2021 at Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Auction convention was thrown out the window. Lot 104, numerically, may not have much significance but the work itself certainly does. Measuring 90cm x 90cm and featuring a masked man throwing a bouquet of flowers at an invisible enemy (or perhaps the auction estimate), the simple yet powerful “Love is in the Air” by British street artist Banksy smashed its estimate into pieces. Listed at between 3,000,000 - 5,000,000 GBP Love Is In The Air from the edition of 15 blew away all expectations and went for 11,000,000 GBP. Likewise, the decision to list payment in Cryptocurrency further added excitement as the old seemed to be taken over by the new. 

Our latest unofficial Banksy museum exhibition, “Building Castles In The Sky” recently featured in Forbes Magazine’s online culture section. Written by Nel-Olivia Waga, the article details her experience and insights into the exhibition based around her values of "Conscious Luxury".

Girl with Balloon also known as Balloon Girl is, undoubtedly, one of Banky’s most popular works. Deceptively simple, the artwork features a young girl reaching out to a balloon. As with many of the elusive artist’s pieces it communicates a raw and powerful message that belies the simple imagery. First appearing as street murals across London in 2002, the work famously was graffitied in Waterloo Bridge with the caption “there is always hope” amongst other locations in the city. In our latest blog we explore the meaning of the work, its history and popularity.