If Julian Schnabel Goes Pop: An Artistic Dialogue Across Centuries by Michael Andrew Law


Contemporary artist Michael Andrew Law continues to push boundaries and redefine norms in his latest series, “If Julian Schnabel Goes Pop.” Known for his audacious fusion of varying art styles and techniques, Law delivers a body of work that is as much a tribute to the masters of art as it is a testament to his unique artistic vision.

The series features mixed media on large linen canvas paintings, skilfully integrating oil, acrylic, glitter powder, and a hint of diamond dust. This blend of materials echoes the classical method of mixing pigment powder with linseed oil, showcasing Law’s ability to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary art mediums.

The works in this series pay homage to an array of iconic paintings, each reinterpreted through Law’s vibrant and dynamic style. These include da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” Warhol’s “Monroe,” and Manet’s “Luncheon on the Grass.”

Further, the series extends to embrace a wider range of masterpieces, including Édouard Manet’s “Olympia,” Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” Helmut Newton’s 1980’s “The Big Nude,” Rembrandt’s “Self-Portrait with Two Circles,” Gerhard Richter’s “Tante Marianne,” and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Dos Cabezas.”

Each piece is overlaid with colourful text that provides a historical narrative for the images painted on the canvas. This stylistic choice, inspired by artists like Cy Twombly, Anselm Kiefer, Francis Picabia, and Julian Schnabel, adds a layer of depth and context to the artwork, inviting the viewer to engage with the original works in a fresh and insightful way.

The series’ title, “If Julian Schnabel Goes Pop,” serves as a tribute to Schnabel himself, whose innovative approach to art has significantly influenced Law’s work. This series explores the hypothetical scenario of Schnabel delving into Pop Art, resulting in a daring and vibrant fusion of styles that is both a nod to the past and a stride into the future.

In “If Julian Schnabel Goes Pop,” Law presents a dialogue across centuries, a celebration of art history, and a reimagining of art’s greatest masterpieces. It’s a fusion of homage and innovation, a testament to the transformative power of art, and a bold statement of Law’s own artistic prowess.

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