The Gold Coast contemporary cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts has unveiled the world premiere exhibition, Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York opening 18 February 2023.
Drawn entirely from the famed private collection of one of the world’s most prominent art collectors, Jose Mugrabi, the first international blockbuster exhibition to be presented at the new HOTA Gallery celebrates the origins and on-going legacy of Pop Art.
“Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection celebrates the history of Pop Art, whilst examining its influence on art and artists today,” said Tracy Cooper-Lavery, Director, Gallery and Visual Arts, HOTA. “We wanted to explore the intersections in the lives, ideas and practices of this significant group of artists.
“Many of them knew each other, collaborated or have been influenced by each other, and we have acknowledged this in the design of the exhibition, which sees these incredible artworks in dialogue with one another.”
A world first exhibition, Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York presents more than 50 works never-before-seen in Australia by 15 legendary and renowned artists including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Tom Wesselmann, Katherine Bernhardt, Kwesi Botchway, George Condo, Damien Hirst, KAWS, Jeff Koons, Joel Mesler, Richard Prince, Tom Sachs, Julian Schnabel and Mickalene Thomas.
Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York highlights the intersections in the lives, ideas and practices of this significant group of artists, many of whom either knew each other, collaborated together or have been influenced by the work of another.
The exhibition explores six decades of Pop Art including numerous works by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring in conversation with contemporary artists at the forefront of the genre today.
More than 20 works by Pop Art pioneer Andy Warhol will introduce visitors to the exhibition, including iconic portraits such as Sixteen Jackies (1964), Mao (1973), Dolly Parton (1985), together with Flowers (1964-65) and his deeply personal painting, Cross (1982).
Recognising the connections between Pop Art and Street Art, works from Keith Haring include one of his earliest works from 1979 alongside a significant large-scale work featuring his iconic dancing dogs Untitled (1981).
With an intense and prolific output created in less than a decade, Jean-Michel Basquiat is considered one of the most important artists of the late 20th century and is represented by eight works including the iconic painting New York, New York (1981) and a collaboration between Warhol and Basquiat from 1984-85.
Contemporary highlights on display include works by KAWS including the 2.8-metre-tall sculpture WHAT PARTY (2018); Mickalene Thomas’ I’ve Got it Bad and that Ain’t Good from the She Works Hard For the Money Pin-Up series (2006); Katherine Bernhardt’s major canvas, Giant Jungle Office (2017) and the sensational installation by Damien Hirst When They Were Down They Were Down (2007) featuring more than 4500 resin pharmaceutical pills in a mirrored cabinet.
“It’s showtime at HOTA with the precinct’s first international exhibition lighting up our magnificent gallery,” said Gold Coast Mayor, Councillor Tom Tate.
“Pop Masters is symbolic of HOTA’s ambitious vision … seeking out the biggest and best exhibitions across the globe. Prepare to be blown away by this incredible private collection from the Mugrabi family,” he said.
“Presenting a world exclusive exhibition is a landmark moment for HOTA Gallery and the Gold Coast,” said HOTA Chair, Jackie Trad.
“The quality and scale of this exhibition demonstrates our shared ambition with the City of Gold Coast to bring world-class exhibitions that attract tourists and boost city pride.”
“We’re a pop art city, and this world premiere exhibition demonstrates HOTA is a home for both incredible international and Australian art.”
Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York
HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast)
Exhibition: 18 February – 4 June 2023
Entry fees apply
For more information, visit: www.hota.com.au for details.
Image: Installation view, Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York, HOTA Gallery – photo by Shannon Johnston, Risen Film