About the William John Kennedy Collection

Shot in the early 1960s when fine art photographer William John Kennedy and his wife, Marie, forged a friendship with Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana, this recently published collection of images capture the two artists and their most iconic works at the rise of the Pop Art Movement. Kennedy's extraordinary photographs — which lay in storage for nearly 50 years — reveal a story of the pivotal moments and players who shaped the course of American art in the second half of the 20th century, including James Rosenquist, Roy Lichtenstein, Henry Geldzahler, Dorothy Miller, Claes Oldenburg and Eleanor Ward.

The exhibition of more than 60 selected black and white and chromogenic photographs — which will premiere in New York City from April 19–May 29 and concurrently at the Conrad Indianapolis from April 27–May 31 — transports the viewer through a moment in time in which our cultural and political history was forever altered. Kennedy's rare and unique images offer a peek into the lives and work of Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana at the seminal point in their careers.

About the Artist

William John Kennedy (Glen Cove, 1930–), studied at Syracuse University, the School of Visual Arts, and Pratt Institute. After working in the 1950s as an assistant and studio manager for renowned Vogue fashion photographer Clifford Coffin, Kennedy enjoyed a rewarding career as a top freelance editorial photographer in New York City. His work appeared in publications such as LIFE Magazine and Sports Illustrated. In the commercial arena he created national and international campaigns for corporate clients including Avon, GE, IBM, RJR Nabisco, American Express, and Xerox. Throughout his professional life, Kennedy has pursued his passion for fine art photography and developed a full body of work. A selection of Kennedy's rare and newly published images premiered during Art Basel Miami Beach in 2010.