Attention art lovers and culture vultures– the Gold Coast art scene is about to ‘pop’ with a world premiere exhibition like no other!

In a world exclusive blockbuster, Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York, will hit the cultural precinct HOTA (Home of the Arts) this Saturday 18 February 2023.

Featuring over 50 never-before-seen works by 15 legendary and renowned artists, including the likes of Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Jeff Koons, the exhibition is set to celebrate the origins and ongoing legacy of Pop Art.

“We wanted to explore the intersections in the lives, ideas and practices of this significant group of artists,” HOTA director Tracy Cooper-Lavery said.

“Many of them knew each other, collaborated or have been influenced by each other, and we have acknowledged this in the design of the exhibition, which sees these incredible artworks in dialogue with one another.”

Recognising the connections between Pop Art and Street Art, the exhibition will feature early works by Keith Haring alongside larger-than-life sculptures by KAWS.

There will also be no shortage of Warhol classics on display, including his deeply personal painting, Cross, and his iconic portraits of Dolly Parton and Mao.

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PHOTO: Andy Warhol’s Dolly Parton (1985)

PHOTO: KAWS’ WHAT PARTY (2018)

HOTA Chair, Jackie Trad said the world exclusive exhibition is a landmark moment for the Gold Coast.

“The quality and scale of this exhibition demonstrates our shared ambition with the City of Gold Coast to bring world-class exhibitions that attract tourists and boost city pride,” she said.

“We’re a pop art city, and this world premiere exhibition demonstrates HOTA is a home for both incredible international and Australian art.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Pop Masters will be a great cultural addition to the Gold Coast visitor economy and lifestyle.

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“Pop Masters is another reason for visitors from around Australia and across the ditch to start planning a first-class Gold Coast tourism experience,” he said.

“This exhibition celebrates the Gold Coast’s cultural credentials while investing more than 17,000 visitor nights and $2.8 million in the local tourism economy.”

Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York runs from 18th February to 4th June 2023.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: hota.com.au

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