Meeting Popart Icon James Francis Gill in the Flesh in Zurich
James Francis Gill Women And Cars at Queen’s Gallery Zurich
Article by Angie Weinberger
James Francis Gill Women And Cars at Queen’s Gallery Zurich
The man looks shorter in real life than in the images I had seen online. He‘s dressed in a black cowboy outfit with a grey hat and red scarf. I should have brought my cowboy hat too but meeting the last pop art icon alive made me feel as shy as a 15-year old teenager. I have always loved pop art. I can’t remember when I first saw a Warhol or a Lichtenstein but I have a feeling I‘ve seen a Gill too; possibly the Jim Morrison Portrait or one of the Marilyn portraits. While his name is not as familiar as the other two, the art scene seems to remember him as a great artist. In his early days, most cover magazines were black and white photographs and paparozzi shots were a real thing.
James Francis Gill Women in Cars
Copyright Premium Modern Art
This is the time back in the 60s when James Francis Gill would paint women in cars, women getting out of cars and other amazing portraits. He brought colour into TIME and LIFE magazine and you can see a few of those paintings and even buy them at Queens Gallery in Zurich. You can read more about the exhibition here.
James Francis Gill Influenced by Klimt
Before the opening I approach him and he speaks with a soft voice and says “Texas” when he’s asked to pose for another smartphone shot.
His main influence was Klimt. And just like Klimt, Gill’s paintings portray the vulnerable female soul, the self-confidence of a smart car, expensive jewellery, well-manicured hands, snazzy sunglasses and a revealing dress. The women are colourful, though not coloured. One has tattoos. I thought at first it was the pattern on her shirt but Gill confirms they are tattoos.
A Great Piece Of Art Speaks To You
While chatting to a young lady who looks like she has just stepped out of her Insta account, for the first time in my life I consider buying a piece of art. It could have been affordable, a small study or a special print…but I decide against it. Because of something Gill says in his video. When you have a great piece of art you look at it every day and it speaks to you. And the painting that speaks to me, the one where the women looks like she’s hiding all her insecurities in that car, behind her diamonds… this one I can’t afford … yet.
James Francis Gill at Queens Gallery Zurich
James Francis Gill’s exhibition will be at Queens Gallery Zurich until 21st May 2022.
Address: Limmatstrasse 257, 8005 Zurich
Tel: +41 44 271 80 00
Email: zuerich@queens.art
Visit the Queens Gallery website here
Queens Gallery Zurich Is Open:
Wednesday & Friday: 2pm – 7pm
Thursday: 3pm – 7pm
Saturday: 11am – 5pm
Appointments outside the published opening hours can be arranged by e-mail or phone.
You can read more about the James Francis Gill Exhibition here.
Visit Queens Gallery Website here
Words and Photos by Angie Weinberger
Angie Weinberger is a qualified coach and runs Global People Transitions,
helping International people with Global Mobility issues
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