Although most widely known as the creator of Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine distinctive covers for 17 years, the career of Richard Bernstein reaches to the farthest horizons.
His paintings with their foundation in Pop art and classical portraiture offer a synthesis of style that is strikingly powerful.
Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Richard, Grace Jones, Michael Vollbracht and Antonio Lopez at Studio 54, circa 1981
As a fine art major, he studied with Richard Lindner while earning his B.F.A. from Pratt and his M.F.A. from Columbia University.
Bernstein launched his fine arts career at the legendary Iris Clert Gallery in Paris and led to exhibitions throughout Europe, Japan and North America.
Richard and Farrah Fawcett, August 14, 1978
His mastery of painting is easily seen in his brilliant portraiture, which is the hallmark of his career. These larger than life canvases sparkle with the captured essence of the person behind the face.
His commissioned portraits include Farrah Fawcett, Jody Foster and Robert F. Kennedy for the R.F.K. Memorial Library.
Andy Warhol, Joan Quinn and Richard at the Factory
In the 1970s Bernstein met Andy Warhol, and went on to become a key member of the Factory.
During this time, he kept busy by art directing Calvin Klein’s national billboard campaign and acting as art advisor for innumerable music videos and TV commercials.
His other work in the music industry has led to several award winning album covers for recording artists such as Grace Jones.
Cover of Megastar, 1984
In 1984 Bernstein released his first book, Megastar, commemorating his fine portraiture. The first edition of this coffee table book, printed in three languages was completely sold out, making it a valuable collectors item.
In 1990, Bernstein had been commissioned by the World Federation of United Nationals Associations to create the first postal stamp for the new decade. This commission places him in the company of Warhol, Calder, and Picasso, who have been similarly honored.
