Los Angeles-based fine artist S.P. Harper will be interviewed by noted art critic, writer, and curator Peter Frank about her new collection of paintings “Angel of Compassion,” which honors film legend Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy of philanthropic work, especially her pioneering advocacy for HIV/AIDS causes and institutions. The seven pieces in the show, currently on view at West Hollywood Library, represent each of the jewels auctioned by Christie’s following her death in 2011 to raise funds to benefit the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Harper’s conversation with Frank takes place on January 15 at 5PM in the Library’s Meeting Room. During the interview, images of the works and “making of” videos will be shown. The event is free and open to the public. The Library is open until 7PM, so guests may view Harper’s exhibition on the first floor before or after the talk.
Regarding “Angel of Compassion,” Mike Che, Arts Coordinator for the City of West Hollywood says, “Taylor was one of the first celebrities to take part in HIV/AIDS activism. She co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research with Michael Gottlieb in 1985 and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 1991. From the early 1990s until her death, she dedicated her time to philanthropy, for which she received several accolades, including the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2001…and helped to raise over $270 million for the cause.”
As part of an artist’s statement, Harper writes, “As a direct result of Elizabeth Taylor’s continuing universal influence, I was inspired to create a series of paintings illuminating both the compassion and generosity of the iconic actress. Through extensive background research of her jewels and personal relationships with Mike Todd, Richard Burton, Cartier, Krupp, and the championing of HIV/AIDS philanthropic causes, the work speaks authoritatively on the subject. The sale of the Krupp Diamond alone raised $12,000,000 for the charity.
Taylor was the epitome of Old Hollywood glamour. Her style was unmistakable—timeless, daring, and unapologetically luxurious. Nowhere was her love of beauty more evident than in her legendary jewelry collection. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies—each piece she wore told a story. Each painting’s gem has a facet of lavender, the color of her eyes. The gems are my muse to explore abstract geometrics.”
https://www.spharper.com/angel-of-compassion.html
https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/15422883
Pictured: “Krupp Diamond” by S.P. Harper
