In Private displays the deeply engaging work of William John Kennedy (1930-2021, American), a renowned and prolific photographer known for capturing the essence of public figures and intimate moments. A unique blend of artistry and storytelling marks Kennedy's career. His work, characterized by attention to detail and a mastery of lighting, explores the private lives of notable personalities, revealing dimensions beyond their public personas. The exhibition's collection of silver gelatin prints lay hidden in a cupboard of the Kennedy household for almost 50 years before their rediscovery and subsequent showing. The photos themselves were never intended to be seen by the public. Before their unearthing, the evidence of the 60s pop art artists’ private lives was relatively scant, their contrived personas playing a significant role in the consumption of their art.

This exhibition delves into a realm where the artists' identity intertwines seamlessly with their creations through a series of spontaneous photos taken by Kennedy of Andy Warhol, a friend and fellow artist at the height of his popularity. Warhol, whose idiosyncratic and distant demeanor in public settings became as much a part of his artistic expression as his actual works, presents a complex fusion of self and artistry. Warhol was known for his quirky and chilly demeanor in interviews and sported controversial opinions about art's purpose; his mind often focused on wealth and an obsession with consumerism. Kennedy’s unearthed portraits capture the comfortable companionship between Kennedy and Warhol. Juxtaposed by Warhol’s famous self-portraits that feature harsh colors, a stern look, and his thorny exterior, Kennedy captured his friend's soft nature, only unveiled in private. As viewers, we are then a part of this intimate moment between two friends; we stand watch as a contented Warhol surrounds himself with his art.

An exemplary piece, such as Andy Warhol's "Field of Flowers" (1964, Queens, New York, 2005), encapsulates this intimate narrative. In this silver gelatin print, Warhol assumes a poised stance in front of one of his larger paintings, draped in a cable-knit sweater, adorned with sunglasses, and cradling a bouquet of sunflowers. Despite the absence of a smile, Warhol's demeanor does not repel the viewer; instead, the scene beckons us into a quiet moment, where we become accidental witnesses to the camaraderie between Warhol, Kennedy, and the camera. The composition invites contemplation, prompting viewers to consider the layers beneath the artist's public facade and the nuanced interplay between persona, art, and the profound connections in private spheres.

Curatorial Statement by
Phoebe Caswell