Discover 10 monumental paintings last seen in 1997

 

New York, NY – Lio Malca proudly presents renowned '80s artist Kenny Scharf’s monumental “Heads” series in a groundbreaking exhibition titled “Space Travel” at 60 White, a multidisciplinary art space in Tribeca. This highly anticipated exhibition will mark the first public display of the series in nearly three decades.

Scharf, a leading figure of the 1980s New York art scene, worked alongside his mentor Andy Warhol, and contemporaries like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring pioneering contemporary street art. In 1981, he coined the term “Pop Surrealism” to describe his unique blend of Pop Art and Surrealism. Influenced by his early exposure to media and pop imagery, Scharf’s work often references popular culture, incorporating cartoon characters, cosmic motifs, and elements from nature into vibrant and playful compositions. His fascination with science fiction is a theme that resonates deeply in his work.

The “Heads” series, a mesmerizing collection of ten monumental 9x12 ft paintings, was originally created as a site-specific installation for the Center of Fine Arts in Miami in 1995. It was last exhibited publicly at Sony Plaza in New York City in 1997. These monumental works, interconnected like a cosmic chain, invite viewers into a fantastical realm where surreal imagery and vibrant colors converge. They are displayed as if they are being viewed from a spaceship’s control center. 

“Growing up while the space age was born, I was so excited,” says Scharf. “There was this big promise that in 1984, you’ll be able to buy a ticket and board a ship and fly up to the moon…I was in love with that whole fantasy!” This sense of wonder and imagination is evident in the “Heads” series, where cosmic motifs, cartoon characters, and pop culture references intertwine to create a unique and captivating visual language.

Scharf’s approach to painting is both intuitive and deliberate. He draws inspiration from Surrealist automatism, allowing subconscious imagery to emerge onto the canvas. This spontaneous process, combined with his mastery of color and form, results in visually striking and emotionally resonant works.

Lio Malca, the visionary collector behind 60 White Street, expresses his enthusiasm for the exhibition: "Kenny Scharf's 1995 'Heads' series is a timeless testament to his boundless imagination and artistic genius, which has captivated audiences since the 1980s. This exhibition will explore the enduring impact of his work, from the 1990s to the present day."