Andy Warhol - Fish (FS IIIA.40)

Fish (Silk Scarf) A40 by Andy Warhol

Fish A40 is a masterful piece of art that effortlessly blends simplicity, charm, and a deeply personal touch. As a potentially wearable masterpiece, it invites contemplation on the artistry of everyday objects as well as the profound connection between the artist and their audience.

In 1983, Andy Warhol embarked on the creation of a series of screenprints on luxurious silk scarves, resulting in an enigmatic artwork cataloged as Fish (FS IIIA.40). The scarf’s design is based on the wallpaper he used to adorn the gallery walls during his 1983 Paintings for Children exhibition at the Bruno Bischofberger Gallery in Zürich, Switzerland. At the heart of this piece is a mesmerizing duo of fish, and the use of silk as the canvas elevates the piece infuses it with a sense of luxury and sophistication, elevating it to a level of potentially wearable art that transcends the gallery space.

Warhol’s silk scarves were printed by Rupert Jasen Smith, Warhol’s master printer, who printed Warhol’s most prolific works in the 1980s. What makes this artwork truly unique and special is its intended purpose as personalized holiday gifts. Each silk scarf was intended for a specific recipient, and Warhol took the time to inscribe handwritten dedications on each one, infusing them with a heartfelt and intimate touch. This exclusivity makes each scarf a cherished and one-of-a-kind possession, highly sought after by collectors who value the unique combination of Warhol’s artistic prowess and his personal connections.