It’s not often—actually ever—that some of the world’s biggest and most highly regarded artists’ works are exclusively showcased on the Gold Coast. Well, in case you haven’t heard the news, that is about to change.
Contemporary cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts, will soon present a world premiere exhibition Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York, which will showcase more than 50 never-before-seen artworks by legendary Pop Art artists throughout the ages. Drawn entirely from the famed private collection of one of the world’s most prominent art collectors, Jose Mugrabi, the blockbuster exhibition will run from Saturday 18 February to Sunday 4 June and celebrates the origins and ongoing legacy of Pop Art. Yes, it’s just as spectacular as it sounds.
In a world-first, Pop Masters will exclusively present jaw-dropping works by world-renowned artists including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, alongside works by Katherine Bernhardt, Kwesi Botchway, George Condo and more. The bespoke exhibition will spotlight famous works from the 70’s and 80’s Pop Art scene, in conjunction with work by contemporary artists at the forefront of the genre today.
In case you need a refresher, Pop Art is a style of larger-than-life art that first emerged in the late 1950s and comments on popular culture by ‘transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary’. Essentially, it’s insightful, witty, glamorous and boldly reflects the Gold Coast, which is rapidly making a name for itself as a world-class cultural hub.
Wondering what kind of art will be on display? Here's a media first look at one of the exhibitions most exciting works. Keith Haring’s world-renowned 1981 Untitled (Dancing Dogs) piece (pictured above) will be just one of the many prominent works you can peruse at Pop Masters. Coming exclusively to HOTA, the artwork is one of Haring’s most famous, with dogs depicted in human-like forms being an iconic Haring trademark. Keith Haring is known for using simplistic forms and bright colours, which you will appreciate when you set eyes upon the iconic Dancing Dogs IRL. Other notable works include Warhol’s Sixteen Jackies and Cross, Basquiat’s iconic New York, New York and KAWS’ contemporary 2.8-metre tall What Party.
HOTA Chair, Jackie Trad said, “Presenting a world exclusive exhibition is a landmark moment for HOTA Gallery and the Gold Coast. The quality and scale of this exhibition demonstrates our shared ambition with the City of Gold Coast to bring world-class exhibitions that attract tourists and boost city pride."
Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York will run at HOTA Gallery from Saturday 18 February to Sunday 4 June 2023. General tickets are on sale now, starting from $25.
THE DETAILS
What: Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York exhibition
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Showing from 18 February to 4 June 2023, 10am to 4pm daily
Cost: Tickets from $25
For more information, click here.
Once you've worked up an appetite from admiring the Pop Masters exhibition, we recommend you check out HOTA's fine dining Palette restaurant.
Image Credit: HOTA Gallery and Keith Haring Untitled (Dancing Dogs), 1981 © Keith Haring Foundation