Steve Kaufman Large 35” x 35” Original Oil Painting on Screen print Canvas Homage to Salvador Dali

Artist: Steve Kaufman
Title: DALI
Medium: Original Oil Painting on Screen print Canvas
Unframed Size: 35.5" x 35.5"
Framed Size: 40.5" x 40.5"
Edition size: 2/4 TP
Inscription: Signed "SAK" on reverse
Documentation: Includes a certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact and complete record of provenance

Steve Kaufman prioritized collaboration throughout his artistic career. He drew inspiration in terms of both subject matter and technique from his experience working with Andy Warhol, and he made several works of art as homage to other artists.

In this Untitled 35" x 35" interpretation, Steve Kaufman masterfully channels the surreal spirit of Salvador Dali, creating a mesmerizing fusion of dreamlike landscapes and vibrant imagination. This piece re-conceptualizes Dali’s famous "Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening" alongside a portrait of Dali. Kaufman created several works to honor Salvador Dali over the course of his career, including interpretations of "The Persistance of Memory," "Ship with Butterfly Sails", and a Dali Quad featuring a series of 4 Dali portraits on a single canvas.

This Untitled 35" x 35" Original Oil Painting on Screen print Canvas is signed and numbered by Steve Kaufman "SAK 2/4 TP" on the reverse and includes a certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact and complete recored of provenance.

About Steve Kaufman

Steve Kaufman stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of American pop art, celebrated not only for his technical prowess but also for his pivotal role in propelling the pop art movement into new dimensions of social relevance. From an early age, Kaufman demonstrated an extraordinary talent, hosting his inaugural art show at his synagogue at the tender age of 8. The artworks showcased in that exhibition now find a home at the Jewish Holocaust Memorial in Brooklyn, New York, bearing testament to the precocious abilities of the young artist.

At just 12 years old, Kaufman achieved commercial success with a distinctive commission – hand-painting custom pet rocks for the iconic New York City Macy's department store. This early triumph laid the foundation for a teenage career marked by continued success in the art world. His journey eventually led him to the esteemed Parsons School of Design in New York, a crucible of artistic expression.

The serendipity of fate brought Steve Kaufman into the orbit of pop art pioneer Andy Warhol at the legendary Studio 54 in New York City. What blossomed from their encounter was not only a deep friendship but also a professional collaboration that saw Kaufman serving as Warhol's assistant at the renowned "Factory" studio. Immersed in Warhol's influential style, Kaufman explored various mediums, from sculpture and photography to stained glass, mixed media, and filmmaking. Yet, it was his paintings and prints that gained widespread acclaim, solidifying his own distinct place within the realm of pop art.

Kaufman's artistic vision transcended the ordinary, capturing the essence of social relevance and injecting personality into a movement often criticized for its perceived lack of emotion. His canvas became a testament to the human experience, painting not only celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, Marilyn Monroe, and Jackie Kennedy but also venturing into unexpected realms like portraying Mercedes Benz and a Formula One Race Car. Among his enduring successes is a screen print series featuring Cohiba cigars, a testament to Kaufman's ability to infuse everyday objects with profound meaning.

In challenging the established norms of early American pop art, Steve Kaufman emerged as a pioneer who breathed humanity and social consciousness into the genre. Through his groundbreaking work, he not only transformed the perception of pop art but also left an indelible mark on the canvas of contemporary art history.