Art
Amid Last Year’s Controversies, Johnny Depp Sold $3.5 Million in Art Prints. Now He Has a New Series of Portraits… and They Are Quite Bad
With life in court behind him, Johnny Depp is again trying his hand at art.
A portfolio of four of the actor-artist’s silk-screen prints, all portraits of fellow performers, including Heath Ledger, Bob Marley, River Phoenix, and Hunter S. Thompson, are for sale now at Castle Fine Art in London.
Of those subjects, only Thompson lived beyond the age of 36. Depp starred in a movie adaption of the gonzo author’s 1971 novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, in 1998.
“They didn’t have enough time on this earth. But [in] the time that they did have, they certainly planted their individuality, their uniqueness, their world, their heart, their emotions, their sense of humor,” Depp said in a video produced by Castle Fine Art. “They said a lot in their short lives.”
“Friends & Heroes II” is the name of the collection, which is available for £17,500 ($21,000). The gallery previously offered the four prints for individual sale, each in an edition of 195 and priced at £3,750 ($4,400) a pop, but those are now sold out.
“Each image is an intimate reflection of their character in Johnny’s eyes; a portrayal of how they have revealed themselves to him,” reads a description of the series on Castle Fine Art’s website. “Working from photographic references, each image has been stripped back to a simpler and iconic portrayal of the subject, which Johnny has then developed and energized with his characteristic freehand flourishes.”
The group of prints follows another portfolio by Depp, the original “Friends & Heroes” collection, which was released by the gallery last year. It included portraits of Bob Dylan, Al Pacino, Keith Richards, and Elizabeth Taylor, all of which sold out in hours. Demand caused the gallery’s website to crash.
“I didn’t believe it, it didn’t make sense to me,” Depp explained in the video. “I’m obviously really touched that people wanted to look a little further outside of my day job as it were, investigating some of the imagery that interests me.”
The BBC reported that the actor made nearly £3 million ($3.5 million) on the initial “Friends & Heroes” sale, which happened to come less than two months after the conclusion of his lengthy and much-publicized legal battle with his ex-wife, actor Amber Heard.
Depp sued Heard for defamation after she wrote a 2018 Washington Post op-ed alleging that he had abused her. Depp won the case and was awarded $15 million in damages. Heard subsequently filed three counter-claims, and won one, taking home $2 million. Both actors’ public reputations suffered throughout the cases.
Perhaps because of that, Depp’s next big move will involve him stepping behind the camera for the first time in 25 years. He’s planning to direct a biopic of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, with Pacino attached as a producer.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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