William N. Copley's 'Ballad' Retrospective at Galerie Max Hetzler

At Galerie Max Hetzler in Berlin, there’s a mini-retrospective titled 'The Ballad of William N. Copley' that spans from 1959 to 1992, although it doesn’t include his well-known painted screens. Copley, who lived from 1926 to 1996, started out as a California gallerist in the 1940s, mingling with famous artists like Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray. He debuted his own pieces as CPLY in the early '50s. After his second divorce in the mid-'60s, he produced portfolios like SMS ('Shit Must Stop'). His work evolved from erotic to nearly pornographic themes during the '70s. The exhibit highlights works like 'Palladium' (1959–63) and 'Card Players' (1981), showcasing his unique blend of Americana and modernist influences.