The Life of Ultra Violet
Revisiting the studio of the esteemed, eccentric and truly inspirational artist and muse
Earlier this year we had the opportunity to enter the world of artist Ultra Violet, born Isabelle Collin Dufresne. The French-born, NYC-based iconoclast passed away this weekend after an illustrious career that involved inspiring cultural and artistic movements as well as contributing to them. Dufresne met Salvador Dalí in 1954 and, while beginning as his student, quickly became his muse. Dalí introduced her to Andy Warhol in 1963 and the rest is history. For almost a decade she was an influential member of The Factory; inspiring works and starring in them. Her impact on Pop Art is significant—and undeniable.
Her autobiography, “Famous for 15 Minutes: My Years with Andy Warhol” (published in 1988) offered an incredibly insightful account of a time when the art world changed. But, of equal importance, her bright and brilliant work—made right up until her death—reveals an artist well aware that the world was evolving, and with it our understanding of life, light and self.
