Warhol Santa Claus
In the case of Christmas, this festive holiday amalgamates several of Warhol's beloved themes – colour, opulence, materialism, spirituality, togetherness, and jubilation. His enduring affection for Christmas served as a wellspring of inspiration for a diverse array of artworks, encompassing sketches of wreaths and angels, Christmas trees, striped candy canes, poinsettias, and ornaments. Prior to crafting groundbreaking art pieces that found their homes in the most esteemed galleries and museums, Warhol had a lucrative career as a commercial illustrator, designing Christmas cards for prestigious entities like Tiffany & Co and the MoMA bookshop. Even amidst his reputation as a nightlife enthusiast at The Factory, the ultimate party connoisseur cherished holidays like anyone else. Santa Claus 266 offers a glimpse into the more human side of the renowned artist, paradoxically shedding light on a facet of his personality through the portrayal of an iconic cultural figure.
In Warhol's depiction, Santa Claus 266 encapsulates the sentimental sparkle associated with the beloved, jolly gift-giver. The subject peers out from behind his thin spectacles, engaging viewers with a warm and mischievous gaze. A substantial portion of the frame is enveloped in his voluminous white beard, reminiscent of a soft, downy expanse of snow. Set against the backdrop of a resplendent red-gold hue, the figure's luminous features stand out in stark contrast. While Santa Claus 266 may lack the vivid colours and dynamic strokes typically found in Warhol's oeuvre, these elements alone evoke a profound sense of nostalgia in viewers.
Banksy Santa’s Ghetto
According to the press release, “The Ghetto is a squat art concept store that opens for the month of December.It features some of the world’s finest underground artists and attempts to bring an even greater sense of disillusionment to the whole West End shopping experience. It exhibits work that has never been seen before, sells a range of affordable art, and produces some rather dubious novelty merchandise”
Santa's Ghetto, a unique "squat art concept store," graced London's Christmas season annually from 2002 to 2007, with the exception of 2007 when it made an extraordinary journey to Bethlehem. This unconventional establishment served as a collective showcase, bringing together a diverse array of artists represented by Pictures on Walls. Within the walls of Santa's Ghetto, Banksy himself unveiled a treasure trove of his most iconic prints, editions, and original artworks, making it a pivotal hub for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Pieces like "Jack and Jill," "Kids on Guns," "Grin Reaper," "Girl with TV," and many others have ascended to a revered status, embodying the quintessential essence of Banksy's oeuvre.
David Hockney’s Snow The Weather Series
David Hockney's Snow from the Weather Series captures the sublime beauty of Winter. Hockney's artwork "Snow" draws clear inspiration from Japanese woodcuts, evident in its repetitive horizontal bands of tonal gradation that skillfully convey a sense of spatial depth. In contrast, "Mist," another of Hockney's creations, bears a resemblance to Monet's famous painting featuring poplar trees along the River Epte, with its ethereal and hazy silhouettes. These two pieces showcase Hockney's adeptness at drawing upon artistic influences to create distinct and evocative works of art.
From all of the Andipa family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas full of happiness and rest and a Happy New Year.