When simple aspects of humanism, informal interactions and communal gestures, are replaced with isolation and solitude, the loss becomes unavoidable. The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the world but has also reminded the public how important these shared interactions and community are. 

The importance of escapism was also made clear during these times. As individuals, unless deemed essential workers, are trapped inside, we are left to reminisce and stir over past connections. These two realizations coupled with the dire need to support artists during this time encouraged the Andy Warhol Foundation and Christie’s to virtually auction some of Warhol’s more private, personal photographs. 

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#BetterDays The Warhol Foundation is excited to collaborate with Christie’s on an online-only sale featuring original photographic works that highlight Warhol’s ability to capture the beauty of ordinary life. Proceeds from the sale will support the Foundation’s ongoing effort to provide emergency relief to artists throughout the US at this time of crisis. The sale will be open for bidding from April 28 – May 6 and is now open for browsing (link in bio). . The 60 unique photographic works were each chosen for their ability to transport the viewer to better days, conveying the splendor of being outdoors and the simple pleasures associated with human interaction. “You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you,” said Andy Warhol. Michael Dayton Hermann, Director of Licensing, Marketing and Sales at the Warhol Foundation selected the works in coordination with Christie’s and said, “We are delighted to work with Christie’s to enhance the Foundation’s ability to continue to invest in society when it needs it most. This unique sale focuses on works which celebrate Warhol’s uncanny ability to draw attention to the inspiring artistry of ordinary life.” . First image: Andy Warhol. Self-Portrait with Henry Geldzahler, unique Polaroid print mounted on board, c. 1979. ©The Andy Warhol Foundation. . Second image: Andy Warhol. Ocean View, unique Polaroid print, c. 1975. ©The Andy Warhol Foundation. . . . #WarholFoundation #Warhol #AndyWarhol #Art #Philanthropy #Photography #Polaroid #PhilosophyFriday @christiesinc #Christies @michaelhermann #SimplePleasures #Beauty #Nature #Oceanview #forsythia

A post shared by The Andy Warhol Foundation (@warholfoundation) on Apr 17, 2020 at 8:16am PDT

Titled “Andy Warhol: Better Days,” the collection includes 60 photographs covering a wide-range of subjects found in the natural world, including his mini Dachshunds and himself. “The 60 unique photographic works were each chosen for their ability to transport the viewer to better days, conveying the splendor of being outdoors and the simple pleasures associated with human interaction,” The Andy Warhol Foundation said in an Instagram post. The online auction lasts from April 26 until May 8.