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In a much anticipated return to his 2016 collaboration with Playboy, Simon Claridge presents a collection of original silkscreens, each based on four of the most iconic covers from the magazine’s illustrious back catalogue. Chosen both for their impact on Playboy’s heritage, as well as their undeniably attractive composition, these hand-pulled silkscreens draw upon Claridge’s established love of translating popular culture into fine art and his continued Warholian influence. Indeed, Warhol was a regular contributor, taking commissions from Playboy’s then Art Director, Art Paul, since the early 1960s. The piece entitled ‘Playboy, January 1986’ , taken from the publication date that featured Warhol’s interpretation of the bunny head as its cover, remains one of the most recognised and valuable assets in Playboy’s fine art collection to date. Claridge’s other covers of choice for this collection are no less significant. In selecting ‘Playboy, 1st Issue’ he takes us back to the conception of the Playboy brand in the early 1950s. The cover image from the first ever Playboy magazine was, fittingly, the first piece that Claridge chose to develop and feature in this collection. It was made originally by Hugh Hefner himself, on his kitchen table, collaged using a previously published image of Marilyn Monroe. The nature of the reference material from which Claridge worked, predominantly low resolution digital scans, presented multiple difficulties, but persistence and an utter
determination that this collection would not be complete without this cover, ensured its inclusion. Taking a philosophical view, Claridge asserts; “Whilst not without its frustration, the problems actually ended up giving the overall finished effect an authentic, vintage feel… It lends itself to my style perfectly.” ‘Playboy, August 1962’ and ‘Playboy, May 1964’ were inevitable contenders, based purely on the aesthetic they convey, and the simplistic beauty of their compositions. Claridge confessed a love at first sight for both, noting that each has its own “standalone quality”. Both exude a glamorous retro feel, and both share the commonality of being incredibly clever visual configurations. Whilst not every viewer will immediately recognise Playboy’s iconic bunny ears being represented by the reflection cast over the surface of the water in ‘Playboy, August 1962’ , or the physical contortions of Playmate of The Year, Donna Michelle, in ‘Playboy, May 1964’ , once seen they are impossible to ignore. Keen to give this already striking collection an added depth and dimension, Claridge opted for gold leaf hand-embellishment on each original silkscreen. Serving to accent and draw the eye, the gold leaf is a well-designed successor to Claridge’s previously established use of diamond dust. Continuing the luxe theme, it ensures that this collection will sit harmoniously alongside its 2016 forebears; tantalizing and decadent, the ultimate tribute to the legacy of Playboy excess.
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