Friends & Heroes is a triumphant debut collection from the notable actor, musician and artist. Stylistically bold and intensely individual, these artworks see Depp depict people he has known well, and who have inspired him as a person. Each image is an intimate reflection of their character in Johnny’s eyes; a portrayal of how they have revealed themselves to him. Depp says: “I’ve always used art to express my feelings and to reflect on those who matter most to me, like my family, friends and people I admire. My paintings surround my life, but I kept them to myself and limited myself. No one should ever limit themselves.”
For Johnny Depp there has always been art. Before acting, and before music, art has always been an important outlet for his creativity. His artistic restlessness and exploration know no bounds, and he has consciously embarked upon a renaissance that allows his life to be filled with that which fulfils him. Depp has, for many years, established himself as an art collector of great merit, with some of the world’s most coveted names in contemporary art in his private collection. From Basquiat to Banksy, Depp has amassed an eminently credible portfolio that demonstrates his love for visual art. However, it is less widely known that Depp is also an artist and creator in his own right, having discovered an innate love for drawing and painting in his childhood, long before music and film first featured in his life.
his portrait of Al Pacino, we feel a sense of being invited into their conversation, and privy to the closeness between two friends. Fittingly, Depp has chosen for us to view Keith Richards through a haze of smoke, leaving us in no doubt of his legendary rock n’ roll credentials. With his sketchbook as a permanent fixture in his hand, rarely is there a time when Depp isn’t sketching or visually conceptualising the world around him. His mind rejects the ordinary, challenges the accepted and oscillates between the pictorial and the lyrical, giving rise to his own multi- layered expressionistic style. Johnny’s art exists at the intersection of ‘Pop Art’ and ‘Street Art’. Recognisable images of people in popular culture are recast in vibrant, bright colours and overlayed with the energy and wit of Street Art. The result is a series of iconic images of media figures that have moved beyond the impersonal graphic simplicity of Pop Art. It’s Pop Art with feeling.
As an actor, Depp is known for his depth of research and commitment to characterisation. He is an innate student of human behaviour; studying, translating, and harnessing qualities he sees in others to weave into the tapestry of a persona he is creating. This has resulted in laser sharp powers of observation, and the ability to identify and utilise the subtlest nuance. He has wielded this skill in his visual art, using it to create a true authenticity and depth in the portraits of those who have become the most important figures in his life, those who have altered the course of his life and those who have provided influence and inspiration. A closer looks at his portraiture confers the qualities that Depp felt his subjects revealed most keenly to him, or are his strongest points of recall when revisiting times shared and memories made. For Elizabeth Taylor, her iconic eyes have been made the focal point of the composition, such was their power to transfix those around her. Depp’s portrayal of Dylan radiates power and influence, tempered with an openness and humility in his facial expression and slightly bowed head. Upon viewing
AL PACINO Close friends ever since they starred together in the 1997 crime drama “Donnie Brasco”, Johnny and Al have a mutual respect that runs deep; and a shared tendency towards creative lunacy that has inspired many scene-stealing moments.
Johnny has characterised Al as, “truly one of the most caring, sensitive, beautiful, unique men” he has ever met.
Limited Edition Silkscreen | Archival Pigment in Colours on Deckle Edged 640gsm Waterford NOT Paper Edition of 195 | Image Size: 85cm x 85cm | Framed Size: 111cm x 111cm Framed £3,950
KEITH RICHARDS Johnny and Keith originally bonded over a mutual love of music, specifically obscure blues tracks and that bond is evident in this art. Johnny sees pirates as the rock n’ roll stars of the 18th century: and sees Keith as, “The coolest rock n’ roll star of all time”. This is a depiction of a hero, but one of the buccaneering, anti-estab- lishment sort.
Limited Edition Silkscreen | Archival Pigment in Colours on Deckle Edged 640gsm Waterford NOT Paper Edition of 195 | Image Size: 85cm x 85cm | Framed Size: 111cm x 111cm Framed £3,950
ELIZABETH TAYLOR Here’s the iconic Elizabeth Taylor; the great beauty who personified dignity and transfixed audiences with the most famous eyes in Hollywood. This artwork portrays her as a confident and timeless heroine with strength of character uncompromised by youth, and beauty uncompromised by age. The focus is on her eyes and lips, features at the core of her appeal, and those most strongly recalled by Johnny.
Limited Edition Silkscreen | Archival Pigment in Colours on Deckle Edged 640gsm Waterford NOT Paper Edition of 195 | Image Size: 85cm x 85cm | Framed Size: 111cm x 111cm Framed £3,950
BOB DYLAN A towering giant of contemporary culture, Bob Dylan led the charge for a generation. Johnny’s respect for his good friend is evident when he says, “Let’s salute the reluctant prophet Bob Dylan and the dream of change he inspired then, now and onwards. His impact is that of Shakespeare, Marlowe, Marlon Brando, Woody Guthrie, William Blake, Picasso, Bach and Mozart”.
This portrait shows Dylan as handsome and heroic, at the height of his powers. But he also has his head bowed, with his eyes and ears open to the issues of humanity.
Limited Edition Silkscreen | Archival Pigment in Colours on Deckle Edged 640gsm Waterford NOT Paper Edition of 195 | Image Size: 85cm x 85cm | Framed Size: 111cm x 111cm Framed £3,950
FRIENDS & HEROES | SET OF 4 Framed set of 4: £14,950 (including portfolio)
BIOGRAPHY For Johnny Depp there has always been art. Before acting, and before music, art has always been an important outlet for his creativity. While his acting skills are obviously the foundation of his fame, the recent reception to his music with Hollywood Vampires and Jeff Beck has encouraged him, and emboldened him, to share his art. Johnny’s debut collection of limited edition artwork sees him focus on Friends & Heroes ; people he has known well, and who have inspired him as a person. Each image is an intimate reflection of their character in Johnny’s eyes; a portrayal of how they have revealed themselves to him.
Working from photographic references, each image has been stripped back to a simpler and iconic portrayal of the subject, which Johnny has then developed and energised with his characteristic freehand flourishes.
Johnny’s art exists at the intersection of ‘Pop Art’ and ‘Street Art’. Recognisable images of people in popular culture are recast in vibrant, bright colours and overlayed with the energy and wit of Street Art. The result is a series of iconic images of media figures that have moved beyond the impersonal graphic simplicity of Pop Art. It’s Pop Art with feeling.
Art references: Keith Richards – Photography: Stephanie Pfriender Stylander Bob Dylan - Photography: Aaron Rapport Al Pacino - Photography: Dan MacMedan/Contour/Getty Images Elizabeth Taylor - Photography: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
The images contained within this literature are an artistic representation of the collection. To best experience our art, we recommend you contact your local gallery to arrange a viewing. © Washington Green 2022. The content of this brochure is subject to copyright and no part can be reproduced without prior permission. Photography By Elliot Nyman
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