Project Name: The Prince

Artist: Michael Zavros

M ichael Zavros is by far one of our favorite artists of the 21st c. Through all of his collections, there have been works that have overwhelmed and excited us, that have been photographed in our brains and remained there as a source of admiration. Now with his new collection ‘ THE PRINCE ’ at the Griffith University Art Gallery in Queensland College of Art campus (226 Grey Street, South Bank, Brisbane Q 4101, Australia) which will be on view till the 7th July, 2013 , he takes us on a journey to reminisce about the perfect American Manly Man . This of course is the proud, all American COWBOY , a figure who has gained instant recognition and become such a strong role model through the medium of advertising.

Michael Zavros The making of 'The Prince' collection. Courtesy of the artist.

Michael Zavros Prince/Zavros 6, 2012 oil on board 15.0 x 10.0 cm Long term loan from a private collection 2012. Proposed gift to Rockhampton Art Gallery under the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program.

from top to bottom, left to right: Belts, 2000 / oil on board /13.0 x 16.0 cm  /Collection of the artist. Grey pant, 2000 / oil on board / 11.3 x 14.3 cm / Collection of the artist. Crimson, 2000 / oil on board / 9.8 x 9.8 cm /Private collection. Ferragamo, 2000 / oil on board / 14.8 x 20.4 cm / Private collection. Stride, 2000 / oil on board /10.5 x 15.9 cm  / Collection of the artist. Crossed, 2000 / oil on board / 14.8 x 13.7 cm  / Private collection.

Michael Zavros Ochre, 2000 14.6 x 15.5 cm oil on board Private Collection

Michael Zavros The Tiger, 2012 oil on canvas 210.0 x 170.0 cm Courtesy of the artist and Philip Bacon Galleries But to unravel and understand the concept behind this collection, you must first know the name  Richard Prince . Whilst working for Time-Life in the tear sheet department in the 70s & 80s,  Prince  became known for his artworks made out of fragmented photographed magazine images. These iconic reproductions were soon feted as copying genius. His works became hugely sought after, with one theme in particular. The no bull, hard working and raw All American cowboy of the fictional  Marlboro  Country.

Michael Zavros Prince/Zavros 8, 2012 oil on board 30.0 x 20.6 cm Long term loan from the artist 2012. Proposed gift to Rockhampton Art Gallery under the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program.

Michael Zavros Prince/Zavros 5, 2012 oil on board 23.0 x 12.9 cm Long term loan from a private collection 2012. Proposed gift to Rockhampton Art Gallery under the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program.

Michael Zavros Prince/Zavros 7, 2012 14.8 x 26.5 cm oil on board Courtesy of the artist and Rockhampton Art Gallery

Michael Zavros The Python, 2011 oil on canvas 210.0 x 185.0 cm Private collection Now, 30 years later, Zavros has brought Prince’s images back to life, re-introducing them to the public eye in the form of his own, highly detailed paintings filled with nostalgia, emotion and precision . One piece in particular truly encapsulates what makes  Michael Zavros  such a unique and sought after artist.  ‘Prince/Zavros 6' (2012)  truly illustrates the artist’s unbelievable ability to capture a photographed image on canvas with brush strokes that express the purest essence of emotion. And the result? A detailed image perfected to look like a photograph whilst still keeping the genuine character of the brushstroke intact.  The reality produced on canvas is neither flat nor soulless; it has all types of soul and character. The grains are reminiscent of a magazine print from the 70s, proving Zavros’ attention to detail. The cowboy, almost alive, looks like he is ready to jump out of the painting itself. Yes, with this artist it’s all about detail, ultimate precision and a love for everything luxurious.  This love was very apparent in his very successful ‘Suit suite’ collection (1999-2001) . Here his works consisting of unbelievable high quality garments, half naked men with their half dressed to impress & accessories of the highest demand made it apparent that the artist has a passion for everything that entails luxury and pricelessness. Moving on from that to his newest creation, one could say that the artist has taken a completely different route. However nothing could be further from the truth. Looking through  Richard Prince ’s re-photographs, it becomes immediately apparent that his process of cropping and framing is that of high-end fashion photography. A coincidence brought to realization with the research for this project. Two worlds so different but yet so in tune with one another, one’s mind leaps to think of the connections that bind everything.

Michael Zavros Prince/Zavros 9, 2012 oil on board 14.0 x 21.0 cm Long term loan from a private collection 2012. Proposed gift to Rockhampton Art Gallery under the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program. Which brings us to the ultimate piece that brings these two worlds together. Here the artist has united the American raw countryside with the modernity of city living. In ‘ The Tiger ’ ( 2012 ), the artist becomes the art. Breaking all barriers, Richard Prince  himself features in the painting encompassing all that is design in  Le Corbusier  tiger pelt topped Chaise lounge. The symbolism of Prince’s re-incorporation is out there for all to see and it has been brought into the world of Now. The dynamism of this piece is great. It is a unity of two worlds, two artists and ultimately two interpretations.  One of our interpretations begs the question much asked by many of us today.  A cowboy can possess all types of luxury , no questions asked. He can even walk into the chicest and most opulent of living rooms in his leather boots, take of his hat and sit comfortably on a Le Corbusier Chair. The question is:  are we going against his nature bringing him into these surroundings or are we finally learning that there is no one type of place for something just because it has been packaged a certain way? <><><> EXHIBITION DATES: 24 May – 7 July 2013 The exhibition which brings together the Prince/Zavros series of drawings and paintings with recent paintings of interiors, earlier paintings of men’s fashion drawn from commercial advertising, and ‘TV’ paintings has travelled to Griffith University Art Gallery, Brisbane, from Rockhampton Art Gallery, where it was on show from 16 February – 7 April 2013. 

Michael Zavros Tony combs his hair for Saturday night, 1998 oil on canvas 150.0 x 150.0 cm Collection of the artist

Michael Zavros The Lioness, 2010 oil on canvas 210.0 x 180.0 cm Courtesy of the artist and National Gallery of Australia.

Michael Zavros Prince/Zavros 4, 2012 charcoal on paper 122.0 x 86.0 cm Courtesy of the artist and Philip Bacon Galleries

Michael Zavros Prince/Zavros 11, 2012 charcoal on paper 86.0 x 92.5 cm Courtesy of the artist and Philip Bacon Galleries

Michael Zavros Prince/Zavros 10, 2012 oil on board 13.5 x 19.8 cm Courtesy of the artist and Philip Bacon Galleries