Castle Fine Art hosts American pop art icon James Francis Gill next week

American pop art pioneer James Francis Gill is set to appear at Manchester’s Castle Fine Art in a rare visit to the UK this October.

The artist will be at the gallery on Sun 12 Oct as part of an exclusive four-date UK tour making the launch of his new series, Women in Water. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Gill and view an exhibition of his limited-edition and original works.

A peer of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, Gill rose to fame in the early 1960s as one of the first artists to combine photographic figurative art with abstract compositions – a style which heavily contributed to the establishment of ‘pop art’.

The Texas-born artist studied architecture at university before moving to Los Angeles in 1962, where he caught the eye of Felix Landau – one of the most respected art dealers in America. It was in this year that Gill’s now prestigious Marilyn Triptych was acquired by New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), years before his then-pop art peers graced its walls. The artwork depicts the story of Marilyn Monroe’s life across three images and remains in MoMA to this day.

Gill’s exploration of modern celebrity culture would later become all the more poignant in 1972 when he chose to step away from the limelight. However,  the distinct footprints he had left in the world of art meant his rediscovery in the late 1990s.

Gill’s collection, Women in Water, was first conceived in the 1960s. This body of work sees the artist present a series of female figures in a suspended, almost timeless state, poised at the edge of movement, immersed in water.

Speaking ahead of his appearance in Manchester, James Francis Gill said: “It’s a true pleasure to return to the UK with this collection – I look forward to sharing it with an audience that embraces bold expression and timeless beauty in the same way I do.”

Frankie Washington, Head of Creative at Castle Fine Art, said: “We are honoured to welcome this genuine icon of modern art to our galleries. Gill’s influence spans generations, and this deeply personal collection is a reminder of his enduring relevance. It offers us an intimate glimpse into the mind of an artist who has never stopped evolving over six decades.”

James Francis Gill will be at Castle Fine Art on Sun 12 Oct from 1pm-3pm. Those wishing to attend the event can register their interest here.

Featured image credit: Premium Modern Art.