But to unravel and understand the concept behind this collection, you must first know the name Richard Prince. Whilst working for Time-Life in the tear sheet department in the 70s & 80s, Prince became known for his artworks made out of fragmented photographed magazine images. These iconic reproductions were soon feted as copying genius. His works became hugely sought after, with one theme in particular. The no bull, hard working and raw All American cowboy of the fictional Marlboro Country.

Now, 30 years later, Zavros has brought Prince’s images back to life, re-introducing them to the public eye in the form of his own, highly detailed paintings filled with nostalgia, emotion and precision. One piece in particular truly encapsulates what makes Michael Zavros such a unique and sought after artist. ‘Prince/Zavros 6' (2012) truly illustrates the artist’s unbelievable ability to capture a photographed image on canvas with brush strokes that express the purest essence of emotion. And the result? A detailed image perfected to look like a photograph whilst still keeping the genuine character of the brushstroke intact.  The reality produced on canvas is neither flat nor soulless; it has all types of soul and character. The grains are reminiscent of a magazine print from the 70s, proving Zavros’ attention to detail. The cowboy, almost alive, looks like he is ready to jump out of the painting itself. Yes, with this artist it’s all about detail, ultimate precision and a love for everything luxurious. 

This love was very apparent in his very successful ‘Suit suite’ collection (1999-2001). Here his works consisting of unbelievable high quality garments, half naked men with their half dressed to impress & accessories of the highest demand made it apparent that the artist has a passion for everything that entails luxury and pricelessness. Moving on from that to his newest creation, one could say that the artist has taken a completely different route. However nothing could be further from the truth. Looking through Richard Prince’s re-photographs, it becomes immediately apparent that his process of cropping and framing is that of high-end fashion photography. A coincidence brought to realization with the research for this project. Two worlds so different but yet so in tune with one another, one’s mind leaps to think of the connections that bind everything.

Which brings us to the ultimate piece that brings these two worlds together. Here the artist has united the American raw countryside with the modernity of city living. In ‘The Tiger’ (2012), the artist becomes the art. Breaking all barriers, Richard Prince himself features in the painting encompassing all that is design in Le Corbusier tiger pelt topped Chaise lounge. The symbolism of Prince’s re-incorporation is out there for all to see and it has been brought into the world of Now. The dynamism of this piece is great. It is a unity of two worlds, two artists and ultimately two interpretations. 

One of our interpretations begs the question much asked by many of us today. A cowboy can possess all types of luxury, no questions asked. He can even walk into the chicest and most opulent of living rooms in his leather boots, take of his hat and sit comfortably on a Le Corbusier Chair. The question is: are we going against his nature bringing him into these surroundings or are we finally learning that there is no one type of place for something just because it has been packaged a certain way?

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EXHIBITION DATES: 24 May – 7 July 2013
The exhibition which brings together the Prince/Zavros series of drawings and paintings with recent paintings of interiors, earlier paintings of men’s fashion drawn from commercial advertising, and ‘TV’ paintings has travelled to Griffith University Art Gallery, Brisbane, from Rockhampton Art Gallery, where it was on show from 16 February – 7 April 2013.