'Warhol Out West' exhibit at Bellagio features dozens of artist's works

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During his lifetime, Andy Warhol only visited Las Vegas once. In all honesty, Las Vegas was probably a poor fit for the artist’s eccentric ways. But 26 years after his death, Andy Warhol can no longer protest, his is about to become a Las Vegas mainstay. “Warhol out West” is an exhibition of 59 works by the famed artist that opened on February 9th at the Bellagio Hotel.

 

 

 

For Las Vegas residents and visitors, the exhibit should be on the must-see list for even casual art fans. The exhibit is quintessential Warhol, showcasing work in a number of mediums that run the gamut from paintings to wallpaper and everything in-between. Additionally, the subject matter is exactly what you might expect from the late pop artist: Celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor and a Multi-colored “Dollar Sign.” Other works include a rainbow pile of high heel shoes called “Diamond Dust Shoes.” But the highlight of the exhibition is a rare “Double Elvis” featuring a gun toting Elvis Presley that was the reason behind Warhol’s one and only trip to Las Vegas. Warhol made 22 versions of the image, nine of which are in museums and one of which sold last year at auction for a whopping $37 million.

 

 

 

All the artwork is connected by Western themes, and oddly enough it seems Las Vegas is finally a perfect fit for Andy Warhol. And now that Las Vegas has become an epicenter of pop culture, it seems natural that the greatest pop artist to ever lime should be at home there. Similarity, for an artist trying to explore the connections between American consumerism and art, housing the exhibit in a Las Vegas casino seems right on the money.

 

 

 

Art critics have long said that Warhol was ahead of his time, but it seems true for pop culture as well. Although Andy Warhol created art to critique the popular culture of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, his artwork is still entirely relevant in today’s modern world. Consumerism’s world domination has only grown since Warhol’s time, and his work seems more fitting than ever in our reality TV era. Warhol remains an important voice concerning modern culture and an inspiration to new artists each day. Rather than becoming dated as many artists do, Warhol has managed to stay more relevant than ever even after his death.

 

 

 

Regardless of if you are a Warhol fanatic or just interested in popular culture, “Warhol out West” in the Bellagio is one of the best experiences Vegas has to offer. The images of consumerism and iconic celebrity portraits are all must-sees even for someone unfamiliar with the cult surrounding the controversial artist. And for those die-hard fans, the exhibit also has something to offer. Each Warhol exhibit intends to showcase components of the artists rarely seen. The theme and rare pieces in the collection make the exhibit unique to Las Vegas and revealing even for fans who think they know the Warhol story already. No matter how close your relationship with art or pop culture is, this exhibit has something for just about everybody.

 

 

 

Story by Las Vegas Review-Journal

 

 

 

 

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