And Then He Was a She. Exhibition 20 September – 30 November 2008
Viewing Friday 19 Sept 18-20.00
Portraits of Andy Warhol superstar Holly Woodlawn by Sadie Lee
This series of paintings by Sadie Lee is the realisation of a long cherished desire to work with Holly Woodlawn, the legendary drag queen immortalised in Lou Reeds ‘Walk on the Wild Side’, and the Factory superstar of Andy Warhols film ‘Trash’.
Born Harold Ajzenberg in Puerto Rico in 1946, she took the name ‘Holly’ from the gamine heroine of Truman Capote’s ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. On meeting her, Capote declared Holly to be ‘the face of the 70’s’.
Lee states it was not her intention to present Holly as a tragic figure, but to make a true record of a complex individual. Holly is a celebrated icon who, despite life’s difficulties and advancing years, exudes infectious optimism and a genuine love of life. Lee’s paintings were made with absolute respect for the subject.