An Andy Warhol exhibition opens its doors in Dubai

Andy Warhol's iconic works make their UAE debut . A collection of over 100 artworks will be on display at Foundry, Downtown Dubai from September 20 – October 31

Presented by Art For All, curated by Nada Ghandour and designed by architect Ibrahim Kombarji, the exhibition “Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory” showcases the journey of Warhol’s rise from his early days as an illustrator to his reign as the "Pope of Pop Art," a movement rooted in mass culture.

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For the first time in the UAE, more than 100 original works, including screen prints, photographs, and magazines, will be showcased, providing insight into Warhol’s artistic journey and offering a snapshot of American society from the 1960s to the 1980s—an era of profound artistic and social change.

As a pioneer across various fields—painting, advertising, filmmaking, and more—Warhol revolutionized the role of the artist. His groundbreaking use of screen printing and his deep interest in consumer culture and celebrity turned him into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, with his work continuing to inspire generations today.

The exhibition is divided in two sections, one that focuses on Warhol himself and one on his places of creations and preference. The first, 'From Shadow To Light'  highlights Warhol’s career milestones, from his days as a magazine illustrator to becoming a "business artist" catering to an elite clientele and displays some of his iconic works for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar or Campbell's Soup Cans. The second highlights his portraits of the 'Rich and Famous' with artworks that are known around the world: Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor or Mao Zedong.

Additionally, two immersive areas recreate Warhol’s creative and social environments: The Silver Factory – Warhol’s collaborative space for artists and Studio 54 , a nod to the glamorous New York nightlife scene that Warhol frequented.

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"There's an interesting parallel to be drawn between Andy Warhol's works and Dubai; the artist who once pronounced these very prophetic words 'In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes' could have never imagined he would one day be showcased in a city where money and fame are the most prized possessions to many people." JDEED

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Rania Ashur, Founder of Art For All, commented:“We are thrilled to showcase Andy Warhol’s iconic works in Dubai for the first time. ‘Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory’ is an immersive exploration into the mind of a creative genius who reshaped contemporary art. This exhibition marks Dubai’s growing prominence as a global cultural hub, and we’re proud to share Warhol’s legacy with the community.”

As per curator Nada Ghandour, she is an independent curator specializing in cultural management and digital technology in the field of culture who's behind the curation of the Lebanese Pavillion at the 59th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2022. She has also collaborated with major museums across Europe and North America, including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Musée National Picasso, and the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, About the exhibition, she expressed: “Curating ‘Andy Warhol, The Glam Factory’ has been a remarkable experience, as Warhol’s art continues to resonate deeply with audiences around the world. This exhibition offers a remarkable opportunity to explore Warhol’s innovative approach to art and his profound commentary on consumerism and celebrity culture. I believe visitors will leave with a newfound appreciation for Warhol’s work and its enduring relevance.”

Now, we don't want to unveil too much and keep some surprises for you, but frankly, it is one of the coolest exhibition we've been to in recent years. There's an interesting parallel to be drawn between Andy Warhol's works and Dubai; the artist who once pronounced these very prophetic words 'In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes' could have never imagined he would one day be showcased in a city where money and fame are the most prized possessions to many people.

To see it all, head down to Foundry Downtown from September 20th to October 31st. Tickets can be purchased on this link.

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^{Cover pictures left, 2024 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./ Licensed by Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York 'Liz' 1964 Offset lithograph on paper 58,7 x 58,7 cm Private Collection}

^{Right, 2024 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./ Licensed by Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York 'Flowers' 1970 Screenprint on paper 91,4 x 91,4 cm Private Collection}

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