James Andrew with Liz Markus’ “Marisa Berenson Wearing Valentino” — Photo by Mogollan Empire
You may recall the post we did celebrating artist and friend, the exquisite Liz Markus covering her Town & Country series. Well, Markus has out done herself in a recent series entitled Girlfriends of the Rolling Stones which we were very pleased to see recently at InSitu Works this past Thursday. We were all simply blown away by these beauties.
Jane Birkin by Liz Marcus
Bianca in Yellow by Liz Markus
After the show I had a chance to chat with Markus about the evolution of her paintings and the transition from painting socialites to examining sixties style-icons.
“The idea for the Girlfriends of the Rolling Stones,” Markus tells us, “…was sparked while looking for images of socialites for my Town & Country series. I was looking for images of the rather uptight, well-heeled set but kept coming across these alluring images of sexy, rock and roll, fashion icons with an unmistakably strong and independent look in their eye. Where the Town & Country socialites are the height of sophistication, these woman display a louche decadence. The socialites are determined, these women are mischievous. While the power of the ladies who lunch came from their social status and connections, these sixties icons found theirs in their sexuality, daring style, and talent. I love both groups and am fascinated by their differences. Referring to them as the girlfriends of the Rolling Stones was a working title that easily encompassed the kind of woman I was looking for but I don’t use it without some ambivalence about describing them only by their relationship to the men in their lives. These women were every inch the equal to the boys in the band. They just knew it was cool to hang out with the Stones.”
This exceptional must see exhibition is on display at 199 Mott Street NYC and open through July 26th 12-6 PM Tuesday – Saturday or by appointment ( admin@insituworks.com). You will want to snap up one of these portraits to add a bit of lovely, louche. jet-set glamour to your interior.
Additionally, Markus will be having a follow-up show to Town & Country called Summer Time Girls which will take place in the Hamptons. (will follow up with details).
I’m photographed at the opening next to Markus’ portrait of Marisa Berenson wearing Valentino. I’m sporting a Tom Ford era Gucci white perforated leather biker jacket with black and saddle leather trim, Tom Ford white cotton shirt with French cuffs, silk madras plaid pants and saddle leather loafers, Seaman Schepps cuff links in coral and shell, a Le Noeud Papillon ascot, vintage Rolex, Swaine Adeney Brigg “Whangee” umbrella, Creed Windsor fragrance, and a bit of Tom Ford Bronzing Gel for a healthy glow.
