About this artwork
This poster features a screenprinted portrait of the first director of the American Indian Movement, Russell Means. Best known for his activities in promoting the rights of American Indians in the 1970s, he gained wide recognition in 1973 for leading the takeover of the South Dakota town of Wounded Knee. This was symbolic, as it was at the centre of a massacre of the Sioux (Native Americans) by the U.S. Army in 1890. The early 1970s saw Warhol paint both people he admired, such as Means, and commissioned portraits of the rich and famous. Although he depicts Means in traditional dress - an acknowledgement of his roots - it has been noted that the ‘Pop’ treatment trivialises to some degree the significance of Means’s activities and the importance of his objectives.
Updated before 2020
see media-
artist:Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987) American
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title:Russell Means
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date created:1977
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materials:Lithograph on paper
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measurements:127.60 x 89.00 cm (frame: 137.40 x 99.00 x 3.80 cm)
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object type:
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credit line:ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund, 2008
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accession number:AR00330
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gallery:
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depicted:
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol was born 'Andrew Warhola' to Slovakian immigrant parents living in Pittsburgh in America. Warhol's subject matter was taken from popular culture, in the form of advertising, comics, magazines and packaging. He was able to produce his works quickly by transferring images onto canvas or...