Double Elvis

Museum of Modern Art, New York (the USA).

Silkscreen ink on synthetic polymer paint on canvas.

Warhol took an image for this work from the movie “Flaming Star” (1960). One of the paintings with the image of Elvis was first shown at the second solo exhibition of Warhol at the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles in 1963. The artist did not have time to frame his work on his own, and he sent a roll, filled with 16 repeating images of the singer, and stretchers of different sizes to the gallery. The stripe with Elvis was Andy’s first work in the technique of several overlapping figures. Layering, the figures gradually “gather” on the right side of the work, where they are placed one on top of the other. Such a formal solution reflected the similarity of the movements of the singer and actor. The effect is enhanced by a flickering silver background – the author’s favorite colour reminiscent of a black-and-white movie screen. The work allows us to recall the singer with an expressive voice and involves metaphysical reflections on the monotony and satiety, the transience of the existence of a superstar. Finally, on the oblivion of even the most outstanding creators in the context of linear “shrinking” time.