Having transitioned from photographer to visionary pioneer in the mixed media realm, artist Karen Bystedt conceptualized a new future for her iconic portraits of Andy Warhol, taken in 1982. Inspired by Warhol’s inventive spirit, Bystedt sought to reflect his approach to both artistic inspiration and creation through a series of collaborations with contemporary street and fine artists. These artists were invited to reinterpret Bystedt’s portraits in their own artistic language, co-creating mixed media artwork that honors Warhol’s legacy while celebrating the diversity and community of contemporary art. Over the last decade, this collection has expanded into a diverse body of work that positions the art in the realm of accessibility, echoing Warhol’s own experimentation with art as a commodity.

The Lost Warhols collection has been featured in some of the most prestigious institutions, including The Andy Warhol Museum, Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art in Oslo, Norway and in the private art collection at the Hearst Tower. Works from the collection have also been featured in international publications such as Vogue, W Magazine, Architectural Digest, The Times, Interview Magazine, and The Huffington Post, among many others. Pieces have been auctioned in benefit events for amfAR, Amber Lounge in Monaco and God’s Love We Deliver, and have been featured in a number of exhibitions and events at Art Basel Miami. These works embody the power of eclecticism in visual perspective and honor individuality in interpretation, allowing each artist’s unique voice to shine within a greater, collective whole.