Conrad Indianapolis Exhibits Iconic Celebrity Portraits

As part of A Fine Art Experience at the Conrad, the ongoing comprehensive art program at Conrad Indianapolis, ModernMasters Fine Art will present English-born fine artist Russell Young. The series title, inspired by John Lennon's first post-Beatles solo album “Working Class Hero”, illustrates the song's theme concerning working class individuals being processed into the middle classes. In the series, internationally known artist Russell Young harvests and reinterprets images of some of his earliest influences that have since gone on to inform many of his later works. This exhibit opening marks the first time the series as a whole has been available for viewing and acquisition.

Young, born and schooled in England, first began taking photographs at the live club shows of Bauhaus, R.E.M. and the Smiths. The photographs were exquisite, allowing him to quickly pick up work for magazines and eventually sessions for record companies. In 1986, he shot the “Faith” sleeve for George Michael, launching him towards America and opportunity. He did portraits of Morrissey, Bjork, Springsteen, Dylan, New Order, Diana Ross, Paul Newman and many other celebrities. He began to direct music videos; one hundred during the glory days of MTV. In 1992, Young moved to Hollywood, married and carved out the time and began to paint seriously.

Less than a decade ago, Young emerged on the fine art scene with his first series of screen prints titled “Pig Portraits,” which depicted celebrities through the police mug shots lens. This series included screen prints of Jane Fonda, Steve McQueen, Martin Luther King, Jr., and more. These works were and continue to be recognized as uniquely “Russell Young.” Several series have followed Pig Portraits, including “Rebel Rebel”, “Shoplifters of the World Unite”, “Dirty Pretty Things”, “Bankrobber”, “American Envy”, and, most recently, “Only Anarchists Are Pretty”.

In addition to recognition for his iconic images, Young is also acknowledged for his use of diamond dust. “A Working Class Hero” series is comprised of about a dozen diamond dust portraits. Young began using this technique in 2007, pressing the crystals into the enamel of the prints. No two diamond dust pieces are exactly alike, as the crystals are applied individually to each work. Young's “Marilyn” diamond dust pieces continue to reach new highs at public auction. With a steady stream of auction results, his pieces have graced the auction block at Sotheby's, Christie's, and Phillips de Pury in both the United States and the UK, fetching prices in excess of $45,000 USD.

Young's works have been acquired by major forces in the art world (think Abey Rosen, the Ghetty family, Alberto Mugrabi, and The Saatchi Collection) and his works are in the private collections of international figures including, President Barack Obama, The Qatari Royal Family, Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, Brad Pitt, David Bowie, Marc Jacobs, David Hockney, and Kanye West.

Russell Young lives and works on the California coast and in Brooklyn, New York. His work has been shown in London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Singapore, New York, Detroit, Miami and Los Angeles.

Guests staying at Conrad Indianapolis can book the “I Know What I Like,” package. Playing off the saying “I don't know art, but I know what I like”, the package ensures that art novices and enthusiasts alike will find a piece in the hotel that speaks to them. Guests will enjoy a luxurious one night stay, private champagne-guided tour with an Art Ambassador, $500 in Gallery Credit good toward any art purchase in the hotel as well as other welcome amenities.

For additional information about Russell Young, please visit www.modernmastersfab.com or contact Rhonda Long-Sharp at 866.370.1601 or Rhonda@modernmastersfab.com.

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