Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet, born Isabelle Collin Dufresne in France in 1935, emerged as a pivotal figure in the avant-garde art and performance scenes of the twentieth century. After studying with surrealist master Salvador Dalí and absorbing his flamboyant sensibility, she relocated to New York City, where she became a prominent member of Andy Warhol’s Factory crowd during the 1960s. Known for her multi-faceted talent as an actress, visual artist, and writer, Ultraviolet appeared in iconic Warhol films such as “The Life of Juanita Castro” and “I, a Man,” gaining recognition for her distinctive style, vibrant purple hair, and fearless creativity.

Throughout her career, she explored themes of celebrity, identity, and spiritual transformation, moving between painting, sculpture, photography, and performance art. A true chronicler of her times, Ultraviolet later published an acclaimed memoir, “Famous for Fifteen Minutes: My Years with Andy Warhol,” offering an insider's perspective on the art world’s revolutionary era. Her work has been exhibited internationally, celebrated for its wit, color, and unapologetic individuality, cementing Ultraviolet’s legacy as a unique voice in contemporary art history.