Russell Young

Russell Young

Russell Young is an internationally renowned Anglo-American artist, famous for his monumental screen prints that explore the tension between excessive glamour and the dark side of the American Dream. A former photographer of musical legends, he now creates visceral works, often enhanced with diamond dust, that question the ephemeral nature of celebrity.

At Galerie de Bellefeuille, we are proud to offer a selection of his most sought-after editions and sculptures, notably works from the iconic Pig Portraits and Fame + Shame series.

The Icon of Contemporary Pop Art and Dark Glamour

A key figure on the contemporary scene, Russell Young embodies a powerful synthesis between Pop Art aesthetics and incisive social criticism. His background is atypical: he began his career as a photographer in the 80s, immortalizing the mythical cover of George Michael's album Faith and directing over a hundred music videos for MTV. This immersion in the star system provided him with the raw material for his painted work: a fascination with image, fame, and its pitfalls.

Young's work captivates with its ability to transform police archives or press images into sacred icons. His transition to painting, marked by isolation and research, gave birth to a unique style where screen printing on linen or silk became the terrain for a brutal and magnificent exploration of popular culture. For enthusiasts seeking exceptional pieces, Young's work offers rare historical and emotional depth. We invite you to contact us to inquire about the availability of collections in our art galleries in Montreal and Toronto.

Flagship Series: Pig Portraits

It was in 2003, with the founding series Pig Portraits, that Russell Young emerged from anonymity to make his mark on the art market. This series presents screen-printed enlargements of celebrity "mugshots," ranging from Martin Luther King Jr. to Sid Vicious and Steve McQueen.

Far from simple glorification, Young describes these works as "anti-portraits". He captures a raw humanity, a moment of truth where the star is no longer performing but confronting the reality of the system. Technically, the use of screen printing, inherited from Warhol but treated with a darker, more textured approach, gives these faces a haunting presence, revealing a beauty that is difficult to ignore.

The Fame + Shame Series and the Use of Diamond Dust

From 2007, the artist introduced a major innovation in his creative process with the Fame + Shame series: the use of "diamond dust". This evolution marks a visual and symbolic break. By sprinkling his canvases with scintillating crystals, Young creates a hypnotic play of light that contrasts violently with the sometimes tragic subjects he depicts, such as a crying Marilyn Monroe or Kurt Cobain.

This technique is not merely ornamental; it serves the artist's purpose regarding the seductive yet cutting nature of celebrity. Light reflects off the work, creating an illusion of glamour that masks a frequently darker reality, a perfect metaphor for the America that Young ceaselessly interrogates.

Collecting Russell Young

Acquiring a work by this artist means bringing a piece of modern cultural history into your collection. His pieces appear in the most prestigious collections, from Barack Obama's to David Bowie's, as well as the Getty clan. For the discerning collector looking for Russell Young art for sale, acquiring one of his canvases goes beyond a simple investment; it is an encounter with a powerful vision of our time.

Galerie de Bellefeuille offers privileged access to these creations. Whether you are interested in imposing canvas paintings or Russell Young prints (limited editions on paper or linen), each work testifies to the technical mastery and narrative force of a Russell Young artist at the peak of his craft.

Key Facts

• 1986: Shot the iconic photography for the cover of George Michael's Faith album, launching his visual career.

• 2003: First painting exhibition, Pig Portraits, in Los Angeles; all works sold out, revealing his talent to the world.

• 2007: Introduction of diamond dust into his works with the Fame + Shame series, adding a tactile and luminous dimension to his work.

• 2010: After surviving an 8-day coma due to the H1N1 virus, his art took a more visceral and introspective turn (Helter Skelter series).

Exhibitions and Collections

• Major Private Collections: Barack Obama, Elizabeth Taylor, David Bowie, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, David Hockney, The Getty family, and Aby Rosen.

• International Presence: His works have been exhibited in leading galleries and institutions in London, Paris, Tokyo, Berlin, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.