Favored by generations of collectors, the classic American pin-up has decorated calendars, coffee mugs, playing cards, centerfolds, advertising and the noses of WWII airplanes.
It was a calendar producer, Brown and Bigelow, that introduced pin-up girls along with artists’ Rolf Armstrong and Edward Eggleston to the masses in the 1920’s. Esquire Magazine followed up in the 30’s by featuring illustrator George Petty and his “Petty Girls” and the beauties of Alberto Vargas.
During World War II the illustrations of Gil Elvgren, Zoe Mozert and Earl Moran were displayed along side photos of movie stars Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth. After the war, Elvgren protégés such as Al Buell and Art Frahm were taking over the genre but hundreds of artists were recruited for the newest showcase -- covers of paperback novels. In the 1960’s, Playboy Magazine reined supreme, but by the 1970’s photography had taken the place of illustration. The depiction of the female form goes back centuries, but in this age of political-correctness the pin-up is a guilty pleasure still enjoyed by men and women alike.
Tasteful, sensual and sometimes comical pin-ups from the best artists of the genre will be on display and for sale at Old South Frame and Gallery beginning March 3, 2006. Illustrators from the 30’s through the 70’s, including Rolf Armstrong, Enoch Bolles, Billy DeVorss, Edward Eggleston, Gil Elvgren, Earl MacPherson, Earl Moran, George Petty, Coles Phillips, Gene Pressler and Alberto Vargas, are represented. This art form was not exclusively male-dominated; illustrations by famed pin-up artists Mabel Rollins Harris, Zoe Mozert and Irene Patton are also on display.
An exhibit and sale of Classic American Pin-up Art will open on Friday, March 3, 2006, with a reception from 5pm - 10pm, and run through May 21 at Old South Frame and Gallery, 1588 South Pearl St. (S. Pearl St. & Iowa) in Denver.
For more information about the gallery, contact Mark Shanstrom at 303-715-3828.
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