Hippy Hat

Film and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn dons Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses on the set of How to Steal a Million, a comedy directed by William Wyler. Taupin has reimagined the empty white space of her felt helmet as a psychedelic portal, containing a vibrant ecosystem of cosmic and nature motifs. The original photograph was taken in Paris, France, 1966.

 

Year: 2023
Medium: Multimedia archival print with silkscreen
Hand signed in pencil by artist Bernie Taupin
From an edition of 50; this is example 12/50
Size: 44 x 30 in (111.7 x 76.2 cm)
Frame size: 50 x 36 in (127 x 94 cm)

About this series: In "Two Sides of the '60s", song-writer and artist Bernie Taupin re-imagines the works of celebrated photographer Terry O'Neill, who captured pop culture of the 1960s and 70s.

According to Taupin: "Terry O'Neill was both a great friend and an inspiration. His personality behind the camera was an infectious and kinetic pantomime of chaotic charm. Terry was a star in his own firmament as much as the icons he photographed over the decades. His images are indelible classics. Even if you don't know who took them, many are as familiar as old friends. He chronicled the coolest of the cool and captured them in all their legendary magnificence. His subjects are so alive, so aware and so relaxed that I can only imagine Terry's good humor and energy made for their unique collaborative chemistry.

That he trusted me and allowed me to cherry pick his portfolio speaks volumes of his sense of adventure. I'm beyond grateful that this project was conceived and completed in his lifetime and that it was a collaboration he fully endorsed and embraced. I will always miss him, but when I think of him, it's his spirited direction and laughter that still ricochets around my head."