Now on the AGO menu – Campbell’s Soup I

On November 18, the AGO presented a soup-er successful inaugural Art Bash! gala which raised over $1 million for the Gallery’s education and outreach initiatives, as well as future exhibitions.

With food, décor, fashion and installations channelling the theme of Pop Art, Art Bash! The Factory was the perfect moment to announce an exciting gift, graciously donated by Margaret & Jim Fleck —Andy Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Soup I, a set of Warhol’s iconic soup can prints featuring ten different flavours, which Margaret and Jim bought from Andy Warhol himself at the famous Factory studio! Art Bash! guests were given an exclusive sneak peek of the works at the gala, and AGO visitors will get a taste of these delicious additions when they go on display in early 2018.

This is the only complete set of Campbell’s Soup I in Toronto. It joins the AGO’s existing collection of Warhol works, including silkscreen prints of celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy, Liz Taylor, Elvis and Wayne Gretzky, along with two other works related to Warhol’s series of soup cans: a screenprint from a second, related series, Campbell's Soup II, Tomato-Beef Noodle Os and a shopping bag featuring Campbell’s Tomato Soup.

The spirit of Pop Art was also channeled by the art installations that animated Art Bash, from photographer Mathew Guido, whose photo series Eye Candy captured the alluring magic of urban neon signs at night, to Jacqueline Mak, who reconstructed the Warhol style in digital collage and GIF form. Alongside a sold-out crowd of sartorial stars that would rival Edie, Viva and all the other Warhol superstars, this was an art party for the ages!

Special thanks to the gala co-chairs, Ira Gluskin and Marianne Guizzetti, as well as all the committee members and sponsors. Check out the photos below:

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