Wonderful Warhol

Young visitors play with the shimmering pillow-like shapes floating in the air in Warhol's installation Silver Clouds.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Marcel Duchamp, Bob Dylan, Salvador Dali and Lou Reed are among those featured.

There are also Warhol self portraits, with dyed hair or wigs.

Warhol's installation Silver Clouds is also on display. It involves visitors playing with shimmering pillow-like shapes floating in the air.

Lin Han, founder of the private museum, says the works are not very well known by the public since the artist is more famous for his iconic works of Marilyn Monroe and the Campbell's soup can.

"We plan to hold shows of the lesser-known works of famous artists. We hope to provide a new perspective for art lovers," says the 29-year-old who has collected about 300 artworks since 2013.

A lecture on Warhol was held in the Central Academy of Fine Arts on Saturday. It was well attended.

Speaking of why Warhol is still popular among youth, Christopher Makos, the artist's long-time friend, says Warhol's art is popular as American pop culture is sweeping the globe.

"He represents American culture. The dollars, the Campbell cans, the colors and all the things in his art are a reference to America," says Makos.

In 1982, Makos accompanied Warhol on his trip to Beijing, the only visit Warhol made to China. They took lots of photos during their three-day trip. Warhol was not known in China, so they were treated as ordinary tourists.

He says Warhol cut his signature long hair before visiting China because he was afraid the look would not be accepted.

Makos filmed Warhol in China and took lots of photos, including Warhol posing in Tian'anmen Square, at the Great Wall and even at their hotel.

"We thought then the Chinese were cool and stylish in their blue suits. And now, the Chinese are also stylish," says Makos.

Wang Chunchen, an art professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, says Warhol is a successful example of using all kinds of media.

"Warhol was brave to challenge the art world and make it big. This kind of spirit may be one reason why he is still so popular among youth," says Wang.

Contact the writer at dengzhangyu@chinadaily.com.cn

If you go

10:30 am-6 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, through Jan 7. M Woods Museum, 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-8312-3450.