Burton Morris’ Olympic spirit paintings in first Asian exhibition

SINGAPORE: You may have heard of artist Burton Morris or perhaps seen his paintings in Central Perk cafe on the US comedy series Friends.

He has also put his pop art spin on the Olympics —— and those paintings are now on display in a free exhibition at the Ion Art Gallery on Orchard Road.

This is the first time they are being exhibited in Asia.

The 35 paintings were commissioned by the International Olympic Museum in Lausanne for the 2004 Athens Summer Games.

Morris depicted three themes in his art pieces —— Olympic symbols, the Ancient Games and Olympic athletes.

And just like the Olympics, his art works portrays an energy, a vibrancy, a sense of playfulness and of course, youth.

Managing director of Pop and Contemporary Fine Art Saskia Joosse said, "Burton in my opinion is one of the best living pop artists of today. His artwork is just happy.

"Art is not frightening. It’s something that people can look at and appreciate. You don’t need to have a degree. It’s either you like it or you don’t and we just want to share that with people."

The exhibition is on till the October 17.

CNA/lp