Pietro Psaier - The Artist Behind Andy Warhol 1936-2004

West-Eleven Gallery presents the first London exhibition of the works of Pietro Psaier - the artist most closely associated with Andy Warhol.

West-Eleven Gallery presents the first London exhibition of the works of Pietro Psaier - the artist most closely associated with Andy Warhol, who was instrumental in the development of much of Warhol's work. Pietro Psaier was born in Italy where his father worked on concept car designs for Enzo Ferrari. Pietro, with his natural artistic talent, often helped and worked as his apprentice. Feeling lost in post-war Italy, the young Pietro relocated to New York. Whilst working as a waiter in the Greenwich Village Gaslight Café, he met Andy Warhol and an extraordinary bisexual relationship blossomed. Psaier produced layouts, silk-screens and joint works at Warhol's studio, The Factory, though few artistic or financial rewards would come his way. Although Warhol needed to trace and use a light box, Psaier was a skilled artist with watercolours, oils and pencil. Some critics say that without Psaier in the background, Warhol could never have produced and maintained production of The Factory commercial output. Warhol nicknamed him 'Peter the Italian' and their relationship continued on and off until the late 1960's. During the 1970's Psaier was commissioned by many famous stars from the Music and Film business to produce statement pieces for their lavish mansions. Works were produced for Keith Moon, Oliver Reed and Michael Caine to name a few. As a result of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake which struck on December 26th 2004 and the Tsunami which followed, Pietro Psaier's remote beach house on the coast of Sri Lanka was swept away. His body was never found. Pietro Psaier - The Artist behind Andy Warhol is an extraordinary exhibition of original works which helped inspire and develop the career of the 20th Century's most iconic artist. It is also the first time Psaier's works have been exhibited in a solo London exhibition and with the wheels already in motion to
make a film about the life and times of the artist
His work is bound to be snapped up by astute investors.

5 Blenheim Crescent Gallery Notting Hill, W11 2EE March 10th -16th 2008 11am to 10pm daily Private View: March 11th 6pm to 10pm. Tel: 020 8998 7923 / 07795 074843 www.art-london.co.uk

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