Street art enters Uffizi collections for first time with Endless donation
For the first time, the Uffizi Galleries in Florence welcome street art thanks to a donation from British artist Endless. He crafted a mixed-media self-portrait that depicts himself alongside Gilbert & George in their studio, inspired by a photograph taken by Noel Shelley. In the artwork, Endless obscures his face with a magazine, representing the theme of anonymity prevalent in street art. Eike Schmidt, the director of the Uffizi, remarked that the piece harmonizes punk, pop, and conceptual art, resonating with the collection's spirit of the Medici grand dukes. Based in London, Endless also focuses on celebrity culture and advertising while painting a mural titled Powder To The People in Cortina d'Ampezzo for the 2021 Alpine Ski World Championships, which runs until February 21.
Key facts
- Endless donated a self-portrait to the Uffizi Galleries, marking the first street art in its collections.
- The work features Endless with Gilbert & George in their studio, based on a photo by Noel Shelley.
- Uffizi director Eike Schmidt praised the blend of punk, pop, and conceptual art.
- Endless is known for themes of brand worship, advertising, consumerism, and celebrity culture.
- He has collaborated with Gilbert & George, Karl Lagerfeld, Clarks, and Fiorucci.
- His exclusive works are shown at Cris Contini Contemporary in London and Porto Montenegro.
- Endless is painting a mural in Cortina d'Ampezzo for the 2021 Alpine Ski World Championships.
- The mural, Powder To The People, features a vintage skier photo and ironic headlines.
Entities
Artists
- Endless
- Gilbert & George
- Noel Shelley
- Eike Schmidt
Institutions
- Uffizi Galleries
- Cris Contini Contemporary
- E Distribuzione
- Comune di Cortina d'Ampezzo
- Fondazione 2021
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- London
- United Kingdom
- Porto Montenegro
- Montenegro
- Cortina d'Ampezzo
- Dolomites