Celebrate the 110th Birthday of Erte - The Father of Art Deco

Today marks the what would have been the 110th Birthday of a man who brought the term Art Deco" to life in the early party of the twentieth century.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACTS:

Mark Politi
Fine Art Consultant
Martin Lawrence Galleries
818-508-7867
818-508-0182 Fax
                                         Celebrates the 110th Birthday of
         "Erte"

Designs created by Erté during his long and illustrious life influenced not only the world of theatre, film and fashion, but an entire art movement as well. The genius of the artist is evidenced by an enormous body of work that is considered among the most influential and unique of the 20th century.

Erté-Romain de Tirtoff-was born in Russia in 1892, and died at age 97 in 1990. His legendary career spanned nearly the entire length of his life. In 1912, Erte moved to Paris and his unique talent was immediately recognized by the citys most established couturiers. In 1915, he began an association with Harpers Bazaar by designing covers of each of their magazines for the next 22 years.

The influence of his work as a result of the high visibility of this periodical influenced an entire art movement that was to become known as Art Deco". Throughout this period, the artist also created original costume and fashion designs for many of the eras most renowned screen actresses, including Joan Crawford, Lillian Gish, Marion Davies, Anna Pavlova, Norma Shearer and others. His creations for the stage included extravagant designs for productions at such venues as New Yorks Radio City Music Hall, the Casino de Paris and the Paris Opera, as well as for the Folies-Bergères and George Whites Scandals.

At the age of 75, Erté was encouraged to embark on a new career and began to recreate the remarkable designs of his youth in bronze and serigraphy. The Art Deco movement was hence reborn. A lifetime of international success and recognition has ensured this unique artist's place in the annals of art history, and his original designs grace the permanent collections of prestigious museums throughout the world including New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, the Louvre, the Smithsonian Institution and Londons Victoria & Albert Museum.

Martin Lawrence Gallery at Universal CityWalk unveils its Erte" exhibition Roaring Elegance" featuring unique and memorable works including original fashion and costume design, rare prints, sculpture and historical memorabilia by the Father of Art Deco. Exclusive Opening Reception is Saturday November 23, 2002 from 4:30pm to 9:00pm on Saturday November 23, 2002 at the Martin Lawrence Gallery at Universal CityWalk 1000 Universal Studios Blvd. Universal City, CA 91608.

Martin Lawrence Galleries, founded in 1975 specializes in original paintings, sculpture and limited edition graphics. The gallery distinguishes itself by works of art by Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Sam Francis, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Liudmila Kondakova, Thomas McKnight, Kerry Hallam, Erte, Bruce Ricker and many others.

Martin Lawrence Gallery
1000 Universal Studios Blvd. #171
Universal City, CA 91608
818-508-7867 (O) 818-508-0182 (F)

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