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John Lennon - Beatles, Pop Art, in Red, Purple and Yellow

Creator: Enzo Ragazzini
Offered by: Arco Gallery

Description
Limited edition of 10. Printed on Hahnemuhle German Etching 310g Archival Paper. Dated and signed with the certificate of authenticity.

This striking photograph by Enzo Ragazzini, dating back to 1969, encapsulates the electric energy of the era with a captivating depiction of John Lennon using Ragazzini’s signature darkroom solarization technique. Vibrant hues of red, blue, and yellow swirl together, creating a psychedelic burst of color and movement that feels timeless yet rooted in the revolutionary spirit of the 1960s. Ragazzini’s mastery of photographic manipulation transforms this piece into an iconic statement, reflecting both the pop-cultural zeitgeist and the artist’s avant-garde sensibilities.

Originally proposed for The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics by Alan Aldridge, this image underscores Ragazzini’s distinct status within the visual arts and music scenes. While Andy Warhol's work utilized mechanical silkscreen processes to elevate cultural icons, Ragazzini’s approach is deeply tactile, relying on hands-on darkroom innovations to produce stunning, visceral effects. The interplay of saturated colors, textural depth, and striking composition makes this piece a bold, evocative addition to contemporary spaces, blending vintage resonance with modern interior design elements.

Perfect for designers seeking a statement piece or art enthusiasts fascinated by the 1960s counterculture, Ragazzini’s work bridges the gap between history and contemporary art. Its vibrant palette complements a variety of design aesthetics, from retro-themed interiors to eclectic modern spaces, offering a transformative focal point rich in visual and cultural intrigue.

Enzo Ragazzini (Italian, b. 1934) is one of the most complex figures among the world photographers of our time, bridging the creative languages of optical photography and photographic reportage. His photography career started in the darkroom, working for famous architects like Pier Luigi Nervi and Gae Aulenti. In 1958, he started experimenting with new techniques and creating works, making him a pioneer of optical art. In 1965, his first exhibition, at the Einaudi Bookstore in Rome, was devoted to optical art and graphic research and organized in conjunction with the exhibition The Responsive Eye at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. With his first separation of color tones, exhibited at the Milan Triennial in 1963, Ragazzini anticipates Andy Warhol's Marylin Monroe and parallels the Pop-art experience; Alan Aldridge will commission him three photographs for the Beatles Illustrated Lyrics, a book published by Aldridge in 1969. After moving to London, Ragazzini started working in reportage photography, and in 1970, he photographed the last Pop-festival on the Isle of Wight. Among his most important projects is a reportage titled "The Tropics Before the Engine," done for the Italian multinational transport vehicle Iveco. The reportage will become the subject of an exhibition in 1988 at the International Center of Photography curated by Cornell Capa.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Period:	New
Condition:	New.
Styles / Movements:	Contemporary
Dealer Reference #:	ER004
Incollect Reference #:	752126

Dimensions

W.	20 in;	H.	20 in;
W.	50.8 cm;	H.	50.8 cm;

Message from Seller:

Arco Gallery, founded in 2013 by Valentina Puccioni, offers a truly personalized art experience in the heart of SoHo, NYC. Located in a historic loft and open by appointment only, the gallery provides exclusive, intimate viewings, away from the mainstream gallery scene. P: 212.226.1207 E: valentina@arcogallery.com