Zebra

Private collection.

Synthetic polymer paint and silkscreen ink on canvas.

This work in the silk-screen printing technique was included in the cycle “Endangered Species” (the name for the cycle “Animals in Make-up” is also found). The series, ten species of rare animals whose existence is under threat, was ordered by the gallery owners, famous animal defenders R. and F. Feldman. Grevy’s zebra that disappeared from some habitats is the rarest subspecies of the zebra family. We can see an animal that seems to be walking away and turning to look at the viewer. Although Warhol’s technique generally remained the same, his style in the late period of his career is notable for such innovations as richness and contrast of the palette. The primary colours are separated by thin lines made with delicate paints. So, the presented work is very catchy and contrasting. The red-black-blue head of the animal on a bright blue background has yellow expressive outlines. The same colour was used to paint the stripes on the face. The work is very dynamic and invariably attracts the attention of the viewer. Warhol depicted, in addition to Grevy zebra, a black rhino, an orangutan, a giant panda, an Amur tiger and other rare representatives of wild fauna.