Muhammad Ali Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol’s work was defined by his obsession with fame and the portrayal of icons in popular culture. He was consistently drawn to the representation of figures in the public eye, from his earliest screen prints of Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe to his later representations of Vladimir Lenin. However, it was not until 1977 that Warhol began to represent sports stars, as the artist recalled “I really got to love the athletes because they are the really big stars.” This included his screen prints of the world-famous boxer Muhammad Ali, images that would become some of the most sought after works of Warhol’s career.
Warhol’s Muhammad Ali portfolio was first commissioned by art collector and sports enthusiast Richard Weisman as part of a series dedicated to sports figures. Among the athletes featured were Chris Everet and Jack Niklaus. In 1978 when Warhol’s Muhammad Ali screen prints were first published, Ali was already regarded as a sporting hero, having just become the World Boxing Association Heavyweight Champion for the third time. He was renowned for his agility and stunned both opponents and spectators with his consistency, winning fight after fight for more than a decade. Unlike many of Warhol’s screen prints, in this instance Warhol himself shot the original photographs of the sitter, travelling to Ali’s training camp in Pennsylvania to photograph and interview the boxer.
Warhol shot 56 polaroids of Ali, but selected four specifically for his screen prints. In one image, Warhol captures the star’s side profile, his eyes alert as though ready to fight. In another, Ali is shown in a combative pose, his fists raised, and his eyes locked firmly to the viewer, as though challenging his opponent. Ali’s combative stance also strongly evokes the theme of violence, a subject that Warhol first introduced in his Death and Disaster Series. In this image, Warhol once again takes advantage of the public fascination with violence, perhaps suggesting that this has in itself contributed to Ali’s superstardom. His raised fists become symbolic also in their significance as the tools of his trade; a trade that defines Ali’s identity in the public eye and in popular culture.
- How did Andy Warhol create his Muhammad Ali Series?
- How do I sell an Andy Warhol Print?
- How do I buy an Andy Warhol Print?
- How much does an original Andy Warhol Muhammad Ali cost?
- Where can I see Andy Warhol’s Muhammad Ali Prints?
- Sell an Andy Warhol Muhammad Ali Print
- Andy Warhol: Muhammad Ali Series Quick Facts
How did Andy Warhol create his Muhammad Ali Series?
In Warhol’s 1978 portfolio of four screen prints, the artist employs the colour blocking and printmaking technique that is synonymous with the aesthetic of his most renowned work. Muhammad Ali 182 demonstrates the way in which the varied and vibrantly coloured backgrounds can enhance Ali’s features, increasing the intensity of his stare to the viewer. In some versions, prior to printing the image, Warhol worked into the surface with paint to create the impression of movement. This act of printing and painting in multiple variations demonstrates Warhol’s experimentation with typical art processes, manipulating colour and creating contrasting effects with each repetition. By creating a visual comparison to the representation of so many icons of popular culture, Warhol is presenting Ali here as a Pop icon and contemporary black hero, forming one of the first major celebrations of a black hero in American art history.
How do I sell an Andy Warhol Print?
To list a work by Warhol on our site is completely free of charge, and we do not charge any referral fees in the event of you finding a buyer for your work, making us the best place to offer your Warhol work. The services of your dedicated broker, the marketing of your piece for sale through our networks and our comprehensive digital marketing will begin without charge to you. In fact we do not take any charge from the seller at any point during the service we provide. We’re confident that the MyArtBroker platform will match you with a buyer and that’s why we’re happy support you from the outset. Your other option is auction, where they will charge you up to 15% plus several charges to cover the cost of putting the work through sale. You can find out more about this here.
How do I buy an Andy Warhol Print?
One the easiest and most cost effective ways of buying a Warhol work is by using us to reach a seller. MyArtBroker is a curated site, meaning we feature artists that our collectors say they want. View the Warhol works we currently offer here. You’ll need to create a free account to buy or sell with us.
How much does an original Andy Warhol Muhammad Ali cost?
We employ a number of techniques and practices in order to give a realistic and achievable valuation on any art listed on myartbroker.com. We analyse the demand for the Warhol in question, take into consideration previous sales and auction valuations, we assess the current gallery valuation and monitor the current deals taking place via MyArtBroker every day. We regularly advise sellers on a price bracket for their artwork completely free of charge. Find out how much your Warhol is worth today.
Where can I see Andy Warhol’s Muhammad Ali Prints?
Top Spots
- The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh
- Tate, UK
- Seattle Art Museum, Seattle
Sell an Andy Warhol Muhammad Ali Print
If you have a Muhammad Ali Print for sale, request a free valuation today.
Andy Warhol: Muhammad Ali Series Quick Facts
- The original Muhammad Ali was commissioned by Richard Weisman as part of a larger sports portfolio
- The screen prints are based on photographs Warhol took of Ali
- Warhol often worked into the surface with paint to create a sense of movement
- Warhol’s Muhammad Ali sold for $312.5k USD in 2017
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