Andy WARHOL - Muhammad Ali (FS II.182)

MUHAMMAD ALI 182
Muhammad Ali 182 is part of Warhol’s Muhammad Ali portfolio he created made up of four different screenprints. In 1978, Warhol photographed Muhammad Ali for his Athletes series. Richard Weisman, both an art collector and a sports enthusiast, started the project which included athletes like soccer player, Pelé, and golfer, Jack Nicklaus. Even though Warhol wasn’t a fan of sports himself, he did see an interest in the realm of an athlete’s celebrity and fame. Ali proved to be a difficult subject, but Warhol managed to snap a few photos of him during a marathon session.

MUHAMMAD ALI 182 AS PART OF ANDY WARHOL’S LARGER BODY OF WORK
Warhol met Ali in 1977 while working on a photographic series based on celebrity athletes. The project was initiated by the sports enthusiast and art collector Richard Weisman. The color screenprint portfolio soon followed. In this print, the legendary boxer is depicted in profile on a vibrant yellow background. His furrowed brow and strong, focused gaze evoke an almost regal sense of power.