Long-Sharp Gallery's 40-piece 'Icons and Irony' to Open Sept. 6

Andy Warhol's view of famous lovers. Banksy's take on the value of his own work. Roy Lichtenstein's comment on the masters who came before him.

Each of those iconic artists, using his individual sense of humor and creativity, offers comment on personal struggle, emotion and moral quandary. Considering them together, along with similarly ironic pieces by Pablo Picasso, Robert Indiana, David Kramer and Russell Young is sometimes a darkly humorous experience but always an enjoyable one.

The Long-Sharp Gallery's 'Icons and Irony' exhibition is a collection of contemporary, modern and pop works that illustrate the sardonic sides of art-world icons. Included are about 40 works by Warhol, Banksy, Lichtenstein, Picasso, Kramer, Young and Hoosier blue-chip pop master Robert Indiana, whose retrospective opens at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City in September.  The Indianapolis show highlights 25 works from Warhol's 1953 'Love is a Pink Cake' series, authenticated by the Warhol Foundation and from Warhol's estate; one of two known examples of Lichtenstein's brushstroke stamp, archived with the Lichtenstein Foundation and the Midwest's first exhibition of New York City star, Kramer.

The exhibition was curated by Rhonda Long-Sharp owner of Long-Sharp Gallery, Indianapolis. Opening during the Indianapolis Artists and Dealers Association's First Friday event, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 6, the show runs through Oct. 11.

The gallery, housed inside the Conrad Indianapolis, is open daily and can be accessed through the lobby of the hotel. Private tours, guided by any of the Conrad's 25 art ambassadors, are offered most times through requests of the hotel concierge or front desk staff.

*Artwork shown by Long-Sharp Gallery is available for purchase by calling 317.414.7216 or contacting Rhonda Long-Sharp through the Conrad Indianapolis art ambassadors.

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About Long-Sharp Gallery

Long-Sharp Gallery, an extension of ModernMasters Fine Art, is located in the Conrad Indianapolis luxury hotel. The gallery features works from "Picasso to Pop," with a primary focus on works by some of the best known names in modern and contemporary art, including: Picasso, Warhol, Basquiat, Haring, Frankenthaler, Indiana, Lichtenstein, Miro, Motherwell, Russell Young, and William John Kennedy.  

About Conrad Indianapolis

Conrad Indianapolis is the hotel of choice for discerning travelers visiting the "circle city." Located at one of the city's most prominent intersections, the hotel is truly in the center of it all - connected to Circle Centre Mall and just steps from nearly everything that downtown has to offer including museums, live music and theatre, and the Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens State Park. The hotel is also connected via elevated walkway to the Indiana Convention Center. The 23-story building features 241 guest rooms, 15,000 square feet of intimate, state-of-the-art meeting space and 15 private residences. World-class dining experiences can be enjoyed in Tastings Wine Bar or The Capital Grille® restaurant, and relaxation awaits at Evan Todd Spa & Salon. Conrad Indianapolis, open since March, 2006, is the city's first true luxury hotel.