1708 Gallery’s mission is to present exceptional new art. 1708 Gallery is committed to providing opportunities for artistic innovation for emerging and established artists and to expanding the understanding and appreciation of new art for the public. Its exhibition program features recent and newly commissioned work by artists who engage critically with the culture of our times, and whose practices highlight overlooked, under-valued or speculative subject positions. 1708 mounts six exhibitions annually in its main gallery space, organizes several satellite projects, including the annual InLight Richmond festival, and publishes an online journal, ext. 1708. 1708’s public art initiatives cultivate dialogue and exchange with a range of Richmond neighborhoods, expanding the diversity of participants in its programs and connecting its curatorial efforts to those of peer organizations around the country.
1708 Gallery
1964
Philip Johnson commissioned Warhol to make a large-scale work for the exterior for his pavilion for the New York World’s Fair, along with other artists. Warhol’s provocative response, a multiple portrait of ‘Most Wanted Men’ was installed a few days before the opening but was deems too inflammatory and contrary to the upbeat image of the World’s Fair and the work was taken down.