Andy Warhol - Mao Pink (1972)

Andy Warhol was an American visual artist, film director, and producer who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art. 

 He is known for his bright, colourful paintings and prints of subjects ranging from celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and Mohammed Ali, to everyday products such as cans of soup and Brillo pads. 

One of Warhol’s most recognisable portraits is that of the Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong (1893–1976). Warhol was compelled to portray Mao as he became increasingly aware of the power and ubiquity of a man who was to become one of the most recognisable figures in modern history.

So between 1972 and 1973 Warhol created 199 Mao paintings in five set scales across five individual series, in addition to a series of 10 screen prints. The prints employ a broad spectrum of vivid colours that are synonymous with the printmaking technique and aesthetic of Warhol’s most renowned work.

 In some instances, Mao appears to be wearing makeup, his mole darkly coloured as a beauty mark that echoes Warhol’s famous images of Marilyn Monroe. Mao becomes morphed into a glamorised 1970s pop icon, a clash of imagery that creates an interplay between controlled communist propaganda and Western fashion kitsch.

🖨 PAPER

• PREMIUM MATTE ART PAPER — Smooth, heavyweight matte paper designed to showcase artwork with rich colour and exceptional detail.

• NON-REFLECTIVE FINISH — Eliminates glare and reflections, allowing the image to be viewed beautifully from any angle.

🪵 FRAMES

• 30MM GALLERY-QUALITY WOOD FRAME — Clean, modern profile crafted to complement both contemporary and classic interiors.

🖼 MOUNTED PRINTS

• PRECISION MOUNTED — Prints are professionally mounted to keep them perfectly flat and wrinkle-free inside the frame.

🎨 MAT BOARDS

• ACID-FREE, COLOURFAST WHITE MAT — Museum-style mat board with a crisp gallery finish.

• ADDS DEPTH & PROTECTION — Creates elegant spacing between the artwork and glass while protecting the print over time.

🔍 GLASS

• 2MM SCRATCH-RESISTANT GLASS — Crystal-clear glazing that preserves true colour and protects the artwork.

• EASY TO CLEAN — Compatible with standard glass cleaners.

🔧 BACK & HANGING

• ACID-FREE FOAM BACKING — Helps prevent yellowing, moisture damage and mould.

• PROFESSIONAL WIRE HANGING SYSTEM — Balanced, durable and easy to reposition.

🎨 Customised Framing

• Custom sizes available on request

• Custom frame colours available

• Contact support@roguesgallery.co.nz for details

↩️ Returns

• 30-day returns accepted if the art is undamaged

• Option to exchange or receive store credit

• To start a return, contact support@roguesgallery.co.nz