Press Release First Portfolio Release in the History of the Museum Unveiled During Art Basel Miami Beach Week: 50% of Edition Sold During Launch Event

On December 7 during Art Basel Miami Beach, The Andy Warhol Museum in partnership with KIWI Arts Group unveiled William John Kennedy: The Warhol Museum Edition at a private reception sponsored by BNY Mellon, at Villa by Barton G. (the former Versace Mansion). This box set (in a limited edition of 50) features five signed and numbered photographs of Andy Warhol (1928-1987) in 1964, just prior to the Silver Factory era. William John Kennedy: The Warhol Museum Edition is the first print portfolio released by The Warhol Museum. Nearly 50% of the edition sold at the launch event; a small group is still available for public purchase at $30,000 before the final group offered rises to $40,000.

Patrick Moore, Deputy Director of The Warhol, states, “The interest in this edition is reflective of the power of Kennedy’s images, which reveal Warhol in a new way.

From our director to our curators and archivist, The Warhol staff has developed this project carefully with Kiwi Arts Group to make sure it maintains the museum’s high standards. The market responds to quality and everything about this edition, from the special aluminum case to the beautifully printed images, reinforces the fact that this is a serious project developed by The Warhol.”

Eric Shiner, Director of The Warhol, states, “With this rare body of work, Kennedy has given us some of the most joyous and insightful images of Andy Warhol ever created. On the heels of our successful Miami launch, I am thrilled to announce that we will be showcasing the portfolio with KIWI Arts Group at The Armory Show this March in New York.”

William John Kennedy: The Warhol Museum Edition is poised to emerge as a pivotal fundraising initiative in 2013 for the museum. Published by KIWI Arts Group to benefit The Warhol, the specially designed aluminum archival box includes a foreword written by museum director Eric Shiner and an introduction by esteemed art historian Thomas E. Crow. Essays contributed by Nicholas Chambers, Milton Fine curator of art at The Warhol, and Matt Wrbican, The Warhol’s chief archivist, historically contextualizing the rare moments captured by Kennedy are also included in the edition. Kennedy’s images feature Warhol with some of his most important work of the early ‘60s: Marilyn, Birmingham Race Riot, American Man, Self-Portrait and Flowers; the edition is comprised of four black and white gelatin silver prints and one chromogenic color print, respectively. Each photograph and essay in the aluminum case is presented in a distinctive oversized format of 22” x 28”.

William John Kennedy: The Warhol Museum Edition is organized for The Warhol by Patrick Moore, deputy director at the museum. Before starting at The Warhol, Moore organized two successful print portfolios, The Geldzahler Portfolio and 1989, which raised funds for The Estate Project, which benefits artists with AIDS. The Geldzahler Portfolio featured specially commissioned works by Frank Stella, James Rosenquist, Louise Bourgeois, David Hockney, Ellsworth Kelly, Jasper Johns, and Roy Lichtenstein among others. 1989 included work from Chuck Close, Nan Goldin, Cindy Sherman, and Kiki Smith as well as several other leading contemporary artists.

William John Kennedy (1930-), studied at Syracuse University, the School of Visual Arts, and Pratt Institute. As a young photographer in New York, Kennedy learned the art of storytelling through his experience as studio manager for Clifford Coffin, one of Vogue Magazine’s most celebrated photographers. Kennedy continued to enjoy a rewarding career photographing creative campaigns for American Express, GE, IBM, RJR Nabisco, Avon, and Xerox and for major publications around the world including Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated and others. A selection of Kennedy’s rare Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana images premiered during Art Basel Miami Beach 2010.

As one of The Warhol’s first corporate sponsors and reflective of their commitment to the arts, the museum is honored to have the support of BNY Mellon for the launch of William John Kennedy: The Warhol Museum Edition. BNY Mellon is also the presenting sponsor for the museum’s current tour of Asia, Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal.

For purchasing information please contact Patrick Moore, deputy director at The Warhol via email moorep@warhol.org or by calling 412.237.8360.