“Don’t pay any attention to what they write about you. Just measure it in inches” – Andy Warhol – a wise quote from the legendary pop artist. A quote which amid all the legal drama with the AP is advice that Shepard Fairey and museum patrons took to heart on Saturday when his “Supply & Demand” show was unveiled at the famed Warhol Museum. A special preview night was held to celebrate the second leg of Shepard’s 20 year retrospective and it seemed as if all the art lovers in the city of Pittsburgh were in attendance. AM had a front row seat to the festivities of the night. More after the jump.
The seven story Warhol Museum was a spacious and fitting place to hold the retrospective for the renowned urban/graphic artist, utilizing two entire floors to showcase the scale of the editions which Shepard has created through the first 20 years of his career. Traveling from the Boston ICA (also curated by them), we came expecting the show to contain what we experienced in Boston, but to our pleasant surprise, we saw some great new additions to the retrospective.
Intimate talk with Shepard for the sold out crowd
Similar to many of Shepard’s previous shows, the museum held a sold out “artist talk” to discuss many of Shepard’s recent and past works. Also discussed was his portrayal of “Muslim/Arabic” cultural references in his artwork. Shepard took all questions and addressed the inquisitive room as well as took time to sign autographs for appreciative fans.
Standing room only if you got were lucky enough to get in
Allair DeVanney & 7th grade art class re-approriated a Dr. Seuss Book for Shepard. Photo by Foo Conner (Iwasaround.com)
Always a media circus around Shepard
Unlike the Boston ICA opening night (covered), there were no arrests before the actual party started rocking and once the museum hit near max-cap, Shepard’s alter-ego, DJ Diabetic, came on stage to drop the dopeness on the enthused crowded. DJ Z-Trip (who flew red-eye from his new Vegas residency at the Palms) then came in to bat clean up on the turntables.
DJ Diabetic dropped it like its hot!
DJ Z-Trip
These girls drove from Va Tech to catch the opening!
What a coincidence! Amanda... you are on the badge
Warhol Museum hosted an awesome dinner at a CASINO!
Like Vegas, but in Pittsburgh
Of course, the night can’t officially end without some unofficial fun. The Warhol museum hosted a private after-hours dinner at the Rivers Casino, where we feasted like kings at the high-roller buffet. It was like Vegas, but only it’s in Pittsburgh! Steel city has the best cheddar biscuits!
Pubes!
Vivian... just a quick word - what do you think about the AP?!
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- The hall was packed for the artist talk
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- Intimate talk with Shepard for the sold out crowd
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- Always a media circus around Shepard
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- Vivian… just a quick word: what do you think about the AP?!
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- DJ Diebetic dropped it like its hot!
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- These girls drove from Va Tech to catch the opening!
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- DJ Z-Trip
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- Alison DeVanney & 7th grade art class reapproriated a Dr. Suess book for Shepard
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- What a coincidence! Amanda… you are on the badge
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- Warhol Museum hosted an awesome dinner at a CASINO!
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- Like Vegas, but only it’s in Pittsburgh
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- Hi Pubes!
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- Standing room only if you got were lucky enough to get in
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- Allair DeVanney & 7th grade art class re-approriated a Dr. Seuss Book for Shepard. Photo by Foo Conner (Iwasaround.com)
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- Photo by Foo Conner (Iwasaround.com)
Discuss Shepard here.
Check out Shepard’s outdoor murals here.
See our studio visit to Shepard’s studio here.
