Warhol Returns to the Dia
Nestled on the scenic banks of the Hudson River in Beacon, New York, the Dia Beacon stands as a pillar of contemporary art, captivating visitors with its expansive collection and innovative exhibitions.
Housed in a repurposed Nabisco box-printing factory, this museum goes beyond traditional boundaries. The Dia provides a unique experience showcasing art’s powerto transform spaces. As a cultural gem of the Hudson Valley, the Dia Beacon not only celebrates the beauty of the region but serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities of artistic expression. In December 2023, the Dia Beacon unveiled Shadows, a work by renowned modern artist Andy Warhol. Shadows is made up of 102 individual silkscreen canvases.
Senior gallery attendant Julia R., said “The Dia actually commissioned this piece from Warhol in 1978; it’s like a homecoming.” Once completed, Shadows stood as a solo exhibition at a Dia Art location in New York City. Julia explained that this exhibition has drawn in large crowds, “we usually see a lull in attendance in the winter months, but this year, we are seeing larger numbers, and the draw seems to be Warhol,” she stated. The piece is exhibited as a continuous sequence of canvases, creating a powerful visual impact.
Two Skidmore College students, Ruth and Katherine, visited the Dia Beacon as part of their involvement with The Tang, Skidmores’ on-campus art museum.
“We are on the student advisory board for the Tang Museum. We help organize events. We are the students who go to different museums to get inspiration,” Ruth said.
“Usually, I’m not that into modern or contemporary art. However, I am enjoying this a lot more than I expected. The Warhol exhibit was my favorite; I think the room it was in really suited the art,” Katherine said.
“The natural light honors the color choices Warhol made,” echoed Ruth. The installation format encourages viewers to immerse themselves in the rhythmic flow of the artwork.
One patron likened the exhibition to a strip of film. “I walked in and instantly thought of a film strip, a narrative unfolding over time. Shadows is so obviously Warhol. I could tell by the colors it was him; it’s his fascination with pop culture,” said Fernando Sandoval. Originally from Venezuela, Sandoval is an art museum regular. Sandoval visited the Dia Beacon eight years ago; when asked how the two visits compare, he said, “I’m eight years older. I’m eight years wiser. I appreciate art in a different way now. Back then, I saw it with starstruck eyes, and now I’m a bit more familiar with what I’m jumping into,” said Sandoval.
Shadows marks a departure from Warhol’s usual subject matter. This piece focuses on abstraction rather than his typical pop art, Campbell soup cans, which we all know and love. Shadows is Warhol in a new light. The Dia Beacon not only invites reflection on the ever-changing landscape of art but fosters a connection between the viewer and the extraordinary works that grace its walls. As visitors leave the transformed factory and exit to views of the Hudson Valley, they carry a renewed appreciation for modern art.
