Artist: Steve Kaufman
Title: Frankly Frank
Medium: Mixed Media Screenprint on Canvas
Size: 36" x 36"
Year: 1998
Edition: 58/75
Inscription: Signed and Numbered Verso
Documentation: Gallery Certificate of Authenticity from Modern Artifact
In "Frankly Frank", Steve Kaufman pays tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra, infusing his signature pop art style with bold color contrasts and iconic imagery. The work features a black-and-white screenprint of Sinatra, capturing the essence of his timeless charm and persona, set atop a vibrant, color-blocked rainbow background. Kaufman selectively highlights the blue detail of Sinatra’s shirt, introducing a pop of color into an otherwise monochromatic portrait. This dynamic use of mixed media exemplifies Kaufman’s mastery of screenprinting, a technique he honed during his time as Andy Warhol’s assistant, while also adding his own unique twist with the incorporation of layered materials and color.
"Frankly Frank" is a striking representation of Kaufman’s pop culture-centric artistry, offering a contemporary take on an enduring icon. This piece is currently not framed, the image showing the frame is for reference only.
Signed and numbered on the verso, this piece is part of a limited edition of 75, with this particular print being number 58. A gallery certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact accompanies the work, ensuring its provenance.
About Steve Kaufman
Steve Kaufman is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of American pop art. His work is celebrated for its technical excellence and its pivotal role in expanding the boundaries of the pop art movement. Kaufman revolutionized pop art by shifting its focus from ordinary objects to themes of social relevance and cultural impact.
Kaufman’s artistic journey began at an exceptionally young age. At just eight years old, he held his first art show at his synagogue, with works from that exhibition now displayed at the Jewish Holocaust Memorial in Brooklyn, New York. By twelve, Kaufman had already achieved his first commercial success, receiving a commission to create custom pet rocks for Macy’s in New York City. Throughout his teenage years, Kaufman continued to sell his art, eventually enrolling in the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York.
A pivotal moment in Kaufman’s career came when he met pop art pioneer Andy Warhol at Studio 54. The two formed a close friendship and professional partnership, with Kaufman becoming Warhol’s assistant at Warhol’s famed studio, “The Factory." Kaufman’s work was deeply influenced by Warhol’s style, and the two shared a similar approach to mediums, including sculpture, photography, stained glass, mixed media, and film. Kaufman, however, is best known for his paintings and prints, which often featured iconic celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, Marilyn Monroe, and Jackie Kennedy. He also gained widespread recognition for his distinctive series of Cohiba cigar screenprints, which remain among his bestsellers.
While early American pop art celebrated ordinary objects and imagery, critics often described it as lacking emotional depth. Kaufman’s work sought to change this, introducing a more human, emotionally resonant element to the genre. His art pushed pop art into new territory, incorporating social issues and human connections, and making it a vehicle for social commentary.
A passionate advocate for social change, Kaufman used his art to raise awareness for causes such as AIDS, racial equality, and homelessness. One of his most memorable works is a striking 5-foot by 5-foot canvas featuring Trojan condoms, a powerful symbol of his commitment to AIDS awareness. Kaufman’s ability to blend humor, social activism, and pop culture icons helped redefine the landscape of contemporary art.