On May 1, renowned painter Alex Katz (who graced Whitewall‘s fall 2014 issue’s pages) will debut a brand new mural on Madison Avenue. But this isn’t just any mural. One of the largest works Katz has created over the course of his 60-year career, the 8 by 60 foot work was made exclusively for a collaboration between the artist, the Art Production Fund (APF) and Barneys New York, and will span all four of the windows on Barneys’ Madison Avenue flagship. Inside 18 Katz prints inspired by the mural will be for sale alongside a fine art portfolio book. Can’t afford an original print? Not to worry. The collaboration also includes a collection of home goods and fashion accessories, ranging from bedding and candles to tote bags and scarves, all bearing Katz’s black and white floral drawings and portraits, and retailing for $28 to $1400.
In case you’re still not convinced, 25% of the proceeds for the collection will go directly to the Art Production Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to commissioning and producing public art projects, founded by Yvonne Force Villareal and Doreen Remen and directed by Casey Fremont (all of whom make an appearance in Katz’s aforementioned mural). In keeping with the mission of the organization, the project will bring Katz’s work into the public sphere in an inspiring and accessible way. Katz said of the collaboration, “Working with Barneys and APF on this project has allowed me to extend my vision to the public, whether it’s to a passerby on Madison Avenue or on a dinner table. It’s very exciting.”
