Special Andy Warhol Exhibit Comes To Cleveland

CLEVELAND, OH - From Cleveland Museum of Natural History: A complete set of Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species collection is coming to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, where a pioneering Bald Eagle breeding program once helped that species progress from endangered status to flourishing. The special exhibit will run from December 22, 2018, to March 10, 2019.

One of only 150 complete sets in the world, the collection of Warhol’s silk screen masterpieces captures some of nature’s most iconic endangered species and has inspired conservation efforts and awareness, all in the acclaimed pop artist’s bold, instantly recognizable style.

“We invite our community to visit and to experience this rare collection,” said Sonia Winner, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This exhibit underscores our mission to be at the forefront of world-class research and learning opportunities that we create for visitors and share our passion for science and nature. In particular, it raises awareness for our own conservation efforts as well as those throughout the world.”

In the mid-1970s, Harvey Webster, now the Museum’s Chief Wildlife Officer, was instrumental in pioneering its highly successful Bald Eagle breeding program, which fueled similar captive breeding initiatives around the country and became a model for contemporaries to expand upon. Bald Eagles, once a federally threatened species, are now flourishing in Ohio and across the nation.

Warhol’s collection represents 10 endangered species that would represent biological and visual diversity. After licensing the use of photographs, Warhol used his typical approach to color and subject to create screenprints of each species. Warhol is said to have called the resulting pieces “animals in makeup.” The goal was to use Warhol’s style and largesse to view these animals in a new way, for their individual beauty and as ambassadors for their species – each at the time facing imminent extinction.

The individual works are “African Elephant (Loxodonta Africana),” “Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus),” “Bighorn Ram (Odis Canadensis),” “Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis),” “Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca),” “Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi),” “Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus),” “Pine Barrens Tree Frog (Hyla andersoni),” “San Francisco Silverspot (Speyeria callippe callippe)” and “Siberian Tiger (Leo tigris altaica).”

Clevelanders Robert S. and Sylvia Reitman purchased a set upon their completion in 1983 and in turn donated them to the Museum’s Fine Arts collection. Lifelong advocates for wildlife conservation and unabashed animal lovers, the Reitmans foresaw the potential impact these works could have in their community.

“People need to see that life, and the story of life, can be represented in many different forms,” said Robert Reitman. “Art is a dimension of life. For the many youngsters who come to the Museum, this is a new window into the natural world and a chance to see things that they might not otherwise get a chance to experience.”

Sylvia Reitman added, “You start at a different place in history here. You get a different perspective on things. We’re animal people, so the stories these paintings tell are attractive to us.”

About The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, incorporated in 1920, is one of the finest institutions of its kind. It is noted for its collections, research, educational programs and exhibits. The collections encompass millions of artifacts and specimens, and research of global significance focuses on 11 natural science disciplines. The museum conserves biological diversity through the protection of more than 9,400 acres of natural areas. It promotes health education with local programs and distance learning that extends across the globe. Its GreenCityBlueLake Institute is a center of thought and practice for the design of green and sustainable cities.

Photo courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Natural History