Blog

In the ever-evolving world of contemporary art, it takes a certain audacity and knack for creativity to make a mark, and Michael Andrew Law's latest series, "If Julian Schnabel Goes Pop," does exactly that. It's a bold, vibrant exploration of art history seen through a modern lens, and it's not something you want to miss.

Right at first glance, Law's choice of materials catches the eye. His use of oil, acrylic, glitter powder, and a dash of diamond dust on large linen canvases is an interesting blend of the old and new. It's a nod to the traditional practice of mixing pigment powder with linseed oil, and it sets the stage for the rest of the series - a fusion of the classic and contemporary.

The series reimagines a wide range of iconic artworks - da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," Warhol's "Monroe," and Manet's "Luncheon on the Grass" to name a few. But Law doesn't stop at merely reproducing these masterpieces. Each work is transformed through his unique interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with these familiar images in a fresh and unexpected way.

Other historical works, such as Édouard Manet's "Olympia," Johannes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring," and Jean-Michel Basquiat's "Dos Cabezas," are also brought into the mix, further broadening the scope of the series. Law's reinterpretations of these artworks are not only visually striking but also reveal his deep understanding and respect for art history.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the series is the colorful text overlay on each piece. Reminiscent of the works of artists like Cy Twombly and Anselm Kiefer, these textual elements add a narrative depth to the visual richness, offering viewers historical context and further insight into each artwork.

The series' title, "If Julian Schnabel Goes Pop," is a tribute to Schnabel, a major influence on Law's own work. It's an enticing invitation to imagine Schnabel, known for his innovative "plate paintings," venturing into the realm of Pop Art. This hypothetical scenario cleverly encapsulates the essence of the series - a daring blend of homage to the past and pursuit of new artistic visions.

In conclusion, "If Julian Schnabel Goes Pop" is a remarkable artistic achievement. Michael Andrew Law has created a compelling dialogue between art history and contemporary art, offering viewers a fresh perspective on some of the most iconic works in art history. This is a series that respects tradition, pushes boundaries, and above all, celebrates the transformative power of art.

Michael Andrew Law, a maverick in contemporary art, has brought forth an intriguing new series, "Ad Art", which seamlessly merges elements of beauty, fashion, and commercialism. Drawing inspiration from Jeff Koons' "Art Ads", Law's series introduces a unique perspective by featuring elegant blonde women as the central figures, offering a compelling exploration of societal beauty norms and the commodification of style.

Spotlight on Blonde Fashion Models in the Ad Art Series
Law's Ad Art series is distinctive in its use of found images, specifically royalty-free stock photos of stylish, attractive blonde women. This choice is a deliberate commentary on beauty standards and the fashion industry's role in shaping these norms. The blonde models, with their iconic associations of glamour and allure, become the canvas upon which Law lays his artistic statement.

These images are enhanced further with the artist's brand logo, "Michael Andrew Law", prominently displayed at the center of each photo. The striking juxtaposition of the artist's brand against the backdrop of these fashionable blonde women underscores the pervasive influence of branding in contemporary consumer culture.

Echoing Jeff Koons
Law's Ad Art series pays tribute to Jeff Koons' iconic "Art Ads" series, known for its critique of the art market's interplay with celebrity culture. Koons often featured himself in promotional-style photos, accompanied by text discussing the importance of his own artwork.

In a similar vein, Law's Ad Art series comments on the commodification of artists in the art industry by prominently featuring the logo of his name, symbolizing his artistic persona. However, Law adds a unique twist by featuring images of blonde fashion models, thereby highlighting the parallels between the commodification of artists and beauty standards in the fashion industry.

Reactions to the Blonde Model Ad Art Series
Michael Andrew Law's Ad Art series has sparked diverse responses. While some see it as a sharp critique of the commercialization of art and beauty, others interpret it as a reflection of society's fixation with branding and the commodification of beauty.

By specifically featuring blonde models, Law adds an additional layer to his critique. These women, often associated with glamour and desirability, become symbols of the fashion and beauty industry, prompting viewers to reflect on how beauty and style are marketed and consumed in our society.

In conclusion, Michael Andrew Law's Blonde Model Ad Art series offers a profound exploration of the intersections of art, beauty, fashion, and commerce. Drawing on the provocative spirit of Jeff Koons' "Art Ads", Law's series contributes a unique and compelling perspective to the ongoing discourse surrounding the commodification of art and beauty.

Michael Andrew Law's Expressive Tribute to Jeff Koons: A Reimagined "Made in Heaven"
Art often serves as a dialogue between artists across time, with each generation interpreting and redefining the works of those who came before them. Hong Kong-based artist Michael Andrew Law's 2019 large-scale canvas is a perfect example of this ongoing conversation. A tribute to Jeff Koons' provocative "Made in Heaven," Law's reinterpretation brings a new, more painterly perspective to the iconic image.

Transmuting Provocation into Artistry
Koons' "Made in Heaven," featuring the artist and his then-wife, Ilona Staller, also known as La Cicciolina, in an explicit pose, was a startling statement in its time, blurring the lines between high art and popular culture. Law, drawing inspiration from this controversial piece, has reimagined it in a way that shifts the focus from the provocative to the artistic.

Law's 200x170cm canvas conveys the same essential composition as Koons' original work, but his approach is decidedly different. By using a mixture of glitter powder, oil, and acrylic on linen, Law transforms the explicit figures into dynamic, textured forms. His painterly style softens the pose's raw immediacy, turning it into a study of form, texture, and color.

Reimagining "Made in Heaven"
Law's reinterpretation of "Made in Heaven" is more than a homage; it's an artistic statement in its own right. The once controversial figures become less about their explicit display and more about the emotional interaction between them. Law's expressive style breathes new life into the composition, introducing a sense of dynamism and artistic depth that was not present in the original.

This transformation from explicit to expressive provides a fresh perspective on Koons' work. Law doesn't shy away from the provocative origins of the piece, but he channels it through a different artistic lens, reimagining the controversy as a celebration of form, texture, and color.

Michael Andrew Law's 2019 canvas stands as a bold reinterpretation of Jeff Koons' "Made in Heaven," demonstrating how a provocative piece can be reimagined through a more expressive, painterly lens. Law's tribute to his artistic hero not only acknowledges Koons' influence on his own work but also brings a fresh perspective to a classic piece, transforming controversy into a celebration of artistic expression. This work underscores the dynamic dialogue that exists within contemporary art, where each new generation finds fresh interpretations of the works that have shaped the artistic landscape.

Michael Andrew Law
"The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí"
Glitter, oil, and acrylic on linen canvas
160 x 160 cm (63 x 63 in.)
Executed in 2017

We are delighted to showcase "The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí", an extraordinary work by the esteemed Hong Kong-based artist, Michael Andrew Law. Conceived in 2017, this large-scale mixed media creation, measuring 160x160 cm, is a remarkable fusion of various artistic styles. It simultaneously serves as an homage to Salvador Dalí's iconic painting, a staple in The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)'s collection.

A Harmonious Fusion
Law's interpretation of Dalí's globally revered masterpiece utilizes an innovative blend of traditional and contemporary aesthetics. The canvas is adorned with vibrant hues, layered with text in a graffiti-esque style that invokes the spirit of the works of Cy Twombly and Anselm Kiefer. The text sprawled across the canvas narrates the history of Dalí and his iconic painting, creating a dialogue that invites viewers to delve into the surreal world of Dalí.

A Bridge Between Eras
Under the surface of vibrant chaos, Dalí's original elements are preserved, meticulously interlaced with strands of glittering gold and silver. The melting clocks, an emblematic feature of Dalí's original, are both preserved and transformed, illustrating Law's unique narrative style and his ability to bridge the divide between surrealism and contemporary expressionism.

A Canvas of History
The text serves not just as decoration but also provides historical context. It's an innovative approach to storytelling, where the canvas becomes a historical and interactive medium, guiding viewers through the journey of "The Persistence of Memory." This technique showcases Law's commitment to creating multi-dimensional narratives that merge artistic expression with historical commentary.

Final Thoughts
"The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí" is not merely a painting; it's an immersive experience that invites viewers to explore the layers of art history, surrealism, and modern expression. It's a tribute, a reinterpretation, and a radical reinvention all at once, encapsulating Law's daring vision and his commitment to pushing the artistic boundaries.

This work stands as a testament to Law's innovative approach, combining disparate elements to create a cohesive, compelling narrative. It represents the enduring relevance of Dalí's work, while also showcasing the limitless potential of contemporary art to reinterpret and redefine the classics.

In the rich tapestry of art history, Law's work is a vibrant thread, a testament to the undying persistence of memory, and a glittering tribute to the enduring legacy of Salvador Dalí.

"Untitled Art History Painting (Helmut Newton 1980's The Big Nude)": Michael Andrew Law's Luminous Homage to Newton
An Illuminated Tribute to a Giant of Photography
In his latest work, the celebrated artist from Hong Kong, Michael Andrew Law, marries the past and the present through a vibrant homage to Helmut Newton's celebrated 1980 photograph, "The Big Nude". Law's "Untitled Art History Painting (Helmut Newton 1980's The Big Nude)" is an expansive piece, measuring 270 cm by 200 cm, masterfully rendered in glitter, oil, acrylic, and silver-leaf on a linen canvas.

A New Take on a Classic
Law's painting is a reimagining of Newton's "Big Nude", a bold transition from the stark black and white of the original photograph to a vivid, multi-hued canvas. The central figure in Law's work, much like Newton's subject, is striking and bold, made even more enticing with a layer of glitter that adds a touch of whimsy and sparkle.

A Silver-Leaf Masterstroke
The painting's background is where Law's creativity truly comes into its own. The backdrop, made of silver-leaf, provides a reflective quality that adds depth and dimension to the piece. This mirror-like background not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the artwork but also subtly involves the viewer and their surroundings in the narrative of the painting.

Fluorescent Graffiti: A Bold Narrative Device
One of the most distinctive elements of Law's painting is the graffiti text rendered in fluorescent colors, which sprawls across the canvas. The vibrant text narrates the tale of Newton and the referenced photograph, becoming an essential part of the artwork. This narrative technique weaves together historical fact, commentary, and critique into a vibrant tapestry of words.

The graffiti text, in eye-catching fluorescent hues, stands out against the silver-leaf backdrop, compelling the viewer to engage with the narrative. Law has transformed the canvas into a radiant manuscript, where the story of Newton's work and his own interpretation are brightly illuminated.

A Tribute to Newton, and More
Law's "Untitled Art History Painting (Helmut Newton 1980's The Big Nude)" is more than a tribute to Newton's photographic prowess. It is a dialogue across time and mediums, a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire dialogue and thought.

By creating this shimmering, narrative-rich landscape, Law has crafted a piece that is as much a reflection on the artistic process as it is a testament to the final product. It is an exploration of the history of art and the fluidity of interpretation, a testament to the power of reinvention.

With its opulence and vibrancy, Law's work is a tribute to a past master and a bold statement of his own artistic vision. "Untitled Art History Painting (Helmut Newton 1980's The Big Nude)" is a celebration of art history, a love letter to creativity, and a radiant affirmation of Law's place within that rich tapestry.

In the world of contemporary art, size matters. Renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami asserts this idea in his book "Geijutsu Tosoron" (ISBN 978-4-344-01912-6), positing that larger artworks, particularly in the Western art market, are more seriously considered by collectors and dealers.

The Allure of Large-Scale Artworks
Large-scale artworks command attention due to their dominant presence. They fill and define spaces, demand viewer engagement, and project an aura of significance. Such engagement does not go unnoticed by collectors and dealers, who often assign higher value to large-scale works.

This perspective is not baseless. Some of the most expensive artworks sold recently, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat's "Untitled" or Willem de Kooning's "Interchange," are large-scale pieces, highlighting the market's readiness to invest heavily in such works.

The Case Study of Michael Andrew Law
Michael Andrew Law's career provides an insightful case study into the impact of scale on an artist's market success. Based in Hong Kong, Law's large-scale paintings are celebrated for their bold, expressive aesthetics and immersive experiences.

In his "If Julian Schnabel Goes Pop" series, Law employs enormous canvases to explore and deconstruct the intersection of popular culture and classical art forms. His "Bad Painting" series, on the other hand, utilizes scale to challenge conventional aesthetics and question what constitutes as "bad" or "good" in art. The sheer size of these works amplifies their message, forceful in their critique and compelling in their visual impact.

These larger-than-life works have not only earned Law critical acclaim but also significantly contributed to his commercial success. They have been lauded by discerning collectors and have fetched substantial prices at auctions, reinforcing the market's preference for large-scale artworks.

Art Market Dynamics
While size and market success show a clear correlation, it's crucial to note that it isn't the only determinant of an artwork's value. Factors like the artist's reputation, the quality of the work, market trends, and the artwork's provenance are all significant in shaping its market value.

Nevertheless, as Murakami emphasizes, the scale of an artwork influences its market perception and valuation. For artists like Michael Andrew Law, creating large-scale works has been an effective strategy for attracting attention, engaging serious collectors, and achieving commercial success.

In conclusion, the scale of an artwork can profoundly impact its reception and value in the contemporary art market. It's a powerful tool in an artist's arsenal, capable of amplifying the impact of their work and boosting their market success.

References

Murakami, T. (2013). Geijutsu Tosoron. Tokyo: Geijutsu Tosho Shuppan Sha.

Law, M. A. (n.d.). Michael Andrew Law's Portfolio. Retrieved from www.michaelandrewlaw.com

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the movie by Paramount Pictures: The Godfather, Best Selling Fine Artist Michael Andrew Law created this gigantic 8 feet 8 inches x 6 feet 6 and a half inches spectacular Oil and Acrylic on linen canvas painting.