Andy Warhol’s polaroids framed at Bar Nineteen12 at The Beverly Hills Hotel
To be a fly on the wall at Studio 54, privy to Hollywood glamour and New York nightlife, during Warhol?s heyday is now closer than ever. The largest private photography collection of its sort is currently adorning the walls of the context-appropriate Beverly Hills hotel. LUX speaks to the art curator of The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air, Jim Hedges, to find out more about the curation and selection of images
The collection, belonging to James R. Hedges consists of photographic still life moments and memories of Warhol?s innermost circle of confidants and collaborators, from Jerry Hall to Grace Jones.
The photos taken by his infamous Polaroid and a unique 35mm black and white silver gelatin print, are not only ?behind the scenes? moments of a star-studded life, but works of art in their own right that fit in a Warholian canon. From his use of photo appropriation from Hollywood stills in the 50s to use of a Times Square Photo Booth in the 60s, these photographs are decidedly closer to the artist?s hand than in previous snapshots. Jerry Hall and Grace Jones are shown together at the Palladium night club in New York in May 1985. Image courtesy of Hedges Projects, Los Angeles. © The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
LUX: How did you find the challenge of curating in a space which does not have a sole artistic purpose such as a traditional gallery does"

JH: Art can be experie...