Photo By Gail

For this year’s National Pink Day, Step into the world of pop art and sweet delights with Andy Warhol’s Strawberry Jello Folding Screen. This rare and extraordinary piece of functional furniture is a delightful fusion of art, gastronomy, and family collaboration. Created around 1955–57, this three-panel screen is a visual feast for the eyes and a testament to Warhol’s unique artistic vision.

The Strawberry Jello Folding Screen is a captivating blend of materials and techniques. Its transfer print in gauche with ink over wood and fiberboard forms the canvas for the eye-popping image of a strawberry jello parfait dessert. Imagine being surrounded by the vibrant colors and playful shapes of this delectable treat whenever you enter a room! It’s like having a slice of luscious  nostalgia on display.

What makes this screen truly special is the handwritten recipe encircling the dessert, created by none other than Warhol’s mother, Julia Warhola, who contributed her easily-recognizable penmanship to many of her son’s works. Her impeccable penmanship adds a touch of intimacy and personal connection to the artwork, reminding us that art often extends beyond the boundaries of the canvas. The combination of Warhol’s artistic genius and his mother’s contribution creates a heartwarming synergy.

From the esteemed collection of Peter Brant and up for auction at Sotheby’s NY, the Strawberry Jello Folding Screen’s estimated value of half a million dollars was the tip of the iceberg, as collectors and enthusiasts alike vied for the chance to bring this masterpiece into their lives. No doubt, the winning bid soared far beyond expectations, testament to the enduring allure and timeless appeal of Warhol’s work — especially for a piece so unique.

Detail

Can you imagine having this screen as a room divider in your bedroom or the living room of your home? Owning the Strawberry Jello Folding Screen would be the ultimate conversation starter, a visual delight, and a whimsical addition to any space. In a world of art that takes itself way too seriously, Warhol’s Strawberry Jello Folding Screen is one of the artist’s most refreshingly unique and  lighthearted works.

Photographed in Sotheby’s Auction House in Manhattan.