03 Jul 2013

Lost then Found - Rare Portraits of Andy Warhol Discovered After 30 Years

After the world premiere in the New York Meatpacking District, the Gallery m|u|c|a - Munich Urban and Contemporary Art hosts the exclusive European debut of the 'Lost then Found' exhibition with rediscovered Andy Warhol portraits, taken by Steve Wood.

One of the most iconic faces of the 20th century is about to be re-discovered; The photographs of the inimitable Andy Warhol are shown for the first time in Europe. After being lost for over 30 years this exhibition promises to be one of the most exciting shows of the year in Munich. It will be an opportunity for lovers of both photography and Warhol himself to experience an important part of history

The 35mm slides languished in Steve's large filing cabinet unseen for more than 30 years. Then in 2012, during another serendipitous incident, Wood's friend and fellow photographer David Munns stumbled across the lost images. Amazed, and immediately recognising the subject, Munns urged Wood to release the images to the public - 'Lost and Found' began to see the light of day.

'Lost then Found' brings to light intimate images taken in 1981 at La Belle Époque style Royal Hotel within the decadent French town of Deauville. The serendipitous meeting of the Daily Express photographer Wood - veteran of war front lines and fashion shows – with the world's greatest modern artist manifested through a mutual friend: the late famous New York restaurateur Elaine Kaufmann - owner of the celebrity hangout 'Elaine's'. Despite reluctance on both sides, Wood finally agreed to photograph the shy Andy Warhol, finding the light that had inspired the Impressionist painters a hundred years before perfect for the pale, private, wan artist. Wood captured the pop artist in various extraordinary un-Warhol like poses - with a giant sunflower, backpack, engaging stare, winking, eyes closed and close-up head shots - resulting in some of the most incredible and candid images of the star we have ever seen.