Exploring Intimacy through Art: Philara's Collection Showcases Erotic Paintings
In Düsseldorf, two renowned artists, Dorothy Iannone and William N. Copley, are reunited in a double exhibition titled "See Yourself As Lovers See You" at the Sammlung Philara. The display, running until January 14, 2024, is a celebration of the old avant-garde, curated by Julika Bosch, the collection's director and curator.
Iannone, a self-taught artist, is celebrated for her provocative, erotic works, while Copley, a member of a wealthy publishing family and friend of the arts, dabbled playfully in painting. Both exhibited together in Berlin in 1993.
One of Iannone's most notable works, "Liberties," is a Persona Statue of Liberty with comic-like wall murals in the Philara collection. The giant ladies hold a torch that resembles a phallus and shed a tear in reaction to the Trump administration, under which she painted them in 2019. An additional smaller sculpture of "Lord Liberty" with a painted erect penis is also on display.
Copley's artwork is more discreet, as seen in the painting "Outrageous Black and White," where a naked woman and a man in a hat and suit shake hands under the moon. The painting is exhibited alongside Iannone's work, including the monumental "I have got such a marvellous cock" from 1969, which portrays a merging of man and woman.
There is also a small exhibition of Sebastian Riemer's "Press Paintings," which are enlargements of print templates from American press photography of the 1950s. The artwork challenges modern perceptions of media manipulation.
Finally, on the rooftop terrace, visitors can see sculptures designed by Álvaro Urbano. The birdhouse installations, based on unrealized designs by progressive architectural firms, invite feathered residents to take up residence.
The exhibitions open on Sunday, August 13, from 2 to 6 pm, and admission is free. The Philara collection is open only on weekends, with guided tours available on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm. Visitors are welcome to make donations on the website.
In the same context, one might discuss how the lifestyle showcased in the merging of Iannone's and Copley's artworks could spark thought-provoking conversations about relationships, as seen in their contrasting yet intertwined pieces. Additionally, for those seeking a change of pace, the rooftop exhibition of books, such as works on art theory or contemporary cultural criticism, would complement the entertainment and stimulate further explorations of the presented themes.
