Excited to announce “Messerschmidt and Modernity”, an exhibition at the J. Paul Getty Museum from 24 July - 14 October 2012. Featuring contemporary artists and their influence of Messerschmidt’s works such as Tony Bevan, Tony Cragg, Ken Gonzales-Day, Bruce Nauman, Pierre Picot, Arnulf Rainer, Cindy Sherman, and Emily Young.

Messerschmidt’s Character Heads have appealed to audiences since they were first produced. They were especially popular in turn-of-the-century Vienna and subsequently inspired modern artists of the 20th century,” explains Antonia Boström, senior curator of sculpture and decorative arts at the J. Paul Getty Museum. “Now, this unparalleled series of sculptures is enjoying a renewed popularity—not only fascinating to museum audiences and scholars, but compelling for contemporary artists.

See more on the work of British painter Tony Bevan on his profile page.

(IMAGES (Left to Right): Vexed Man, after 1770. Franz Xaver Messerschmidt (German, 1736–1783). Alabaster. The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles./ Self-Portrait after Messerschmidt, 2009. Tony Bevan (British, born 1951). Acrylic and charcoal on canvas. Courtesy L.A. Louver, Venice, CA and Ben Brown Fine Arts, London. © Tony Bevan)