 |
Isabelle Collin Dufresne (Ultra Violet)French artist, writer
Date of Birth: 06.09.1935
Country:  France |
Content:
- Biography of Isabelle Collin Dufresne (Ultra Violet)
- From Muse to Independent Artist
- Superstar of Warhol's Factory
- Famous for 15 Minutes: My Years with Andy Warhol
- Later Years and Artistic Achievements
- Life in the Latter Years
Biography of Isabelle Collin Dufresne (Ultra Violet)
Isabelle Collin Dufresne, also known as Ultra Violet, was a French artist, writer, and former colleague and "superstar" of Andy Warhol. She was born on September 6, 1935, in La Tronche, Grenoble, France. Dufresne was raised in a strict religious family, but her rebellious spirit awakened at a young age. She also received education at a Catholic school. In 1951, she left France to pursue her dreams in New York.
From Muse to Independent Artist
After meeting Salvador Dalí, Dufresne quickly became his muse, and eventually his student and an independent artist herself. In 1960, she made a name for herself in the progressive American art scene, alongside artists such as Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, and James Rosenquist. Eventually, Isabelle signed a contract with Andy Warhol and his New York studio, the "Factory." In 1964, she chose the stage name Ultra Violet, using a suggestion from Warhol. At the time, she had a preference for purple or lavender-colored hair, making the choice of pseudonym fitting.
Superstar of Warhol's Factory
Dufresne became one of Warhol's many "superstars" and appeared in several of his paintings. However, by the end of the 1960s, she was essentially pushed off the stardom radar and replaced by Warhol's latest discovery, actress Viva.
Famous for 15 Minutes: My Years with Andy Warhol
In the mid-1970s, Dufresne released her autobiography titled "Famous for 15 Minutes: My Years with Andy Warhol." The book went through extensive editing and was partially translated from French to English by her roommate in the New York penthouse, Natalie Durkee. After the autobiography received comprehensive coverage in the New York Times, the work of Warhol's former muse gained recognition worldwide.
Later Years and Artistic Achievements
Upon her return to France, Dufresne opened her own studio in Nice in 1990 and wrote the book "L'Ultratique," delving into her ideas in the field of art. In 2007, Isabelle delivered a retrospective lecture at the New York Institute of Technology. She created a series of artworks dedicated to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, which she presented at the "Memorial IX XI" exhibition at Queens Community College. The exhibition opened on September 9, 2011.
Life in the Latter Years
For the last 15 years of her life, Dufresne was a member of the religious movement known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
