Taglialatella Galleries Toronto debuts Andy Warhol: Factory Made just as U.S. trade tariffs shake up the Canadian art world.
While headlines have zeroed in on U.S. tariffs targeting the auto industry, a lesser-known ripple effect is hitting Canada’s art market—hard. As galleries across the country grapple with a 25% price hike on works imported from the States, collectors are feeling the pinch. And just as these challenges heat up, one of the most iconic pop artists in history is about to take over Yorkville.
From April 10 to May 1, Taglialatella Galleries Toronto will host Andy Warhol: Factory Made, a major exhibition spotlighting Warhol’s most iconic editions from the artist’s prolific time at The Factory. The show, which debuted to acclaim at the gallery’s New York location, includes legendary works like Marilyn Monroe (1967), the complete Campbell’s Soup Cans (1968), and Flowers (1970)—plus political portraits like Mao (1972) and Lenin (1987), and even a tribute to Canadian royalty in sport, Wayne Gretzky #99 (1984). The real showstopper? One of Warhol’s actual silver wigs, on display for the first time in Toronto.
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We caught up with Alan Ganev, Gallery Director (and partner) at Taglialatella Toronto, to talk about how shifting trade policies are impacting the local art scene, what this Warhol show means for the city, and why this exhibition couldn’t come at a more pivotal time.
“Tariffs are driving prices up by 25%, and the circumstances continue to evolve,” Ganev explains. “For Canadian galleries and collectors, this means higher costs all around.” With many galleries reliant on consignments or acquisitions from U.S.-based partners, the impact is immediate and unavoidable. “Even with consignment works, we’re still required to cover the costs upfront. That burden gets passed along to collectors, making the art significantly more expensive.”
While Warhol’s work may be headline-worthy, the real story is how much harder it’s becoming to showcase this calibre of artist in Canada. “We’re looking into more Latin American, European, and Canadian artists, as importing artwork from the U.S. has become both increasingly difficult and expensive,” he says. “Although there are ways to recover some costs through refunds or exemptions, the process is complex and time-consuming.”
Why the Warhol show matters now more than ever?
Despite these trade challenges, Andy Warhol: Factory Made arrives in Toronto with perfect timing. It’s a rare opportunity to engage with the legacy of one of the 20th century’s most transformative artists—and to do so for free.
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“Warhol came into the art world from the outside,” Ganev notes. “He was shy, from a working-class background, and yet his work became a mirror of culture, commerce, celebrity, and identity.” His influence still reverberates across everything from advertising to Instagram. The show includes Warhol’s Ad Series from 1985 (featuring screenprints of Chanel, Mobil, and Lifesavers) and Myths: Uncle Sam (1981), underscoring his ability to blur the lines between politics and pop.
It’s a rare opportunity to engage with the legacy of one of the 20th century’s most transformative artists—and to do so for FREE.
But it’s one of Warhol’s personal effects that left Ganev most surprised. “I’d say it’s definitely Andy Warhol’s wig,” he says. “I was quite surprised to learn that we have one of his wigs, complete with an official certificate of authenticity from Christie’s, which makes it a significant piece. One thing I didn’t know is that Warhol used different wigs of varying lengths, so it appeared as though his hair was growing over time. It’s one of those quirky details I picked up from this exhibition.”
Despite the headwinds, Ganev is optimistic about the future of art collecting in Toronto. “We still offer a wide range of Canadian and European art and provide affordable options for first-time collectors,” he says. While high-value imports might slow down, entry points remain accessible.
Still, the uncertainty surrounding these tariffs makes things tough for long-term planning. “The ambiguity surrounding trade policies is making many clients hesitant to commit to purchases,” Ganev admits. “No one wants to pay 25% more for an artwork only to see policies shift unexpectedly.” If the current climate persists, collectors may have no choice but to absorb the additional costs—but for now, the gallery continues to tap into its international network to ensure clients still have access to exceptional work.
Crafting culture in Yorkville
Known for its high-end boutiques and luxury galleries, Yorkville is the ideal backdrop for Warhol’s world of celebrity, spectacle, and silver. With a reputation for showcasing blue-chip artists and buzzworthy shows, Taglialatella continues to position itself as a key cultural player in Toronto’s arts district.
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“This is a show that speaks to both Warhol aficionados and the curious first-timer,” says Ganev. “It’s free, it’s iconic, and it gives people a rare look at a global art phenomenon, right here in Toronto.”
The 411: Andy Warhol exhibit in Toronto
- Exhibition: Andy Warhol: Factory Made
- Dates: April 10 – May 1, 2025
- Location: Taglialatella Galleries, 99 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, ON
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (or by appointment)
- Digital Catalogue: Email toronto@djtfa.com
- Contact: taglialatellagalleries.com, tagto.ca
