Bilder Fuchs Gallery will present the world premiere of "Women in Water," a new artwork series by legendary Pop Art artist James Francis Gill, beginning September 19, 2025. At 90 years old, Gill represents one of the last living members of the first generation of American Pop Art artists, and his latest works demonstrate that his artistic power remains undiminished.
Gill achieved international recognition as early as 1962 when the Museum of Modern Art in New York acquired his three-part Marilyn Triptych for its collection. Just a few years later, the 9th São Paulo Biennial showcased his works alongside pieces by Andy Warhol and Edward Hopper. Today, Gill's artworks are represented in major museums and private collections worldwide.
Throughout his career, Gill became a witness to an entire generation through his personal encounters and friendships with notable figures including Tony Curtis, Kirk Douglas, John Wayne, Jim Morrison, Martin Luther King, and Marlon Brando. These relationships provided him with unique insights into the cultural landscape of his time.
With the "Women in Water" series, originally conceived in the 1960s, Gill returns to a central motif of his artistic work: the portrayal of femininity as an emotional presence. The paintings and works on paper capture moments full of mystery and tension that draw viewers into an open dialogue. Sometimes with direct gazes, sometimes hidden behind sunglasses, sometimes turned away or dreamy, Gill plays a fascinating game with expression, posture, and atmosphere.
Particularly rare within this collection are portraits of muses from his own life, which lend the series a personal and timeless intimacy. These works offer viewers a glimpse into the artist's personal relationships and experiences spanning decades of creative output.
The exhibition will feature approximately 40 unique pieces, including both paintings and works on paper. Visitors will also have access to all new limited editions, which will be available at subscription prices through October 30, 2025. For the first time, the gallery will showcase an exclusive DELUXE edition featuring diamond dust, strictly limited to just twelve copies.
A lavishly designed coffee table book accompanying the exhibition will feature color reproductions of all works in the series. Additional information and images are available at www.bilder-fuchs.de.
