Lichtenstein works exhibited at Southampton gallery

The Phillips Southampton gallery is presenting works by modern-art master Roy Lichtenstein.

The exhibit, called Roy Lichtenstein: Diana and Ajax, features two Greco-Roman inspired works commissioned by Gianni Versace from the artists’ Interiors series. The two paintings, ‘Interior with Diana’ and ‘Interior with Ajax,’ were intended to hang in Versace’s home in Milan, but they remained in Lichtenstein’s studio at the time of the fashion designer’s death in July 1997.

Donatella Versace was contacted by the artist’s studio and made aware of the paintings’ existence, after which she had them displayed in the Versace New York townhouse. Alongside the Diana and Ajax paintings displayed at Phillips Southampton will be a selection of other important works by Lichtenstein, including ‘Girl in Mirror,’ 1964, and ‘Shipyard Girl,’ 1965.

Displaying the works in Southampton is especially fitting as Lichtenstein had a home and studio there, where he continued to experiment with different styles and mediums from 1970 until his death in 1997. The artist not only lived and worked in Southampton, but was continuously inspired by the local community throughout his career.

The paintings will be on view through Sept. 6 at Phillips Southampton at 1 Hampton Road in Southampton.