Orange Coast College is facing a devastating blow after an invaluable Andy Warhol art piece depicting China’s communist leader Mao Zedong was stolen from the campus. The theft of Warhol’s 1972 screen print, titled “Mao,” has sent shockwaves through the art community and left authorities scrambling to recover the missing masterpiece.

The Frank M. Doyle Art Pavilion, where the stolen print was housed, is now at the center of a harrowing investigation as Orange Coast College authorities work tirelessly to track down the culprits responsible for this brazen act. Juan Gutierrez, the college’s director of marketing and public relations, revealed that the print was last seen in the vault of the Art Pavilion, sparking concerns over its disappearance.

This iconic artwork, inspired by U.S. President Nixon’s historic trip to China to meet Chairman Mao Zedong, holds significant historical and artistic value. Warhol’s series of 199 silkscreen paintings of Mao, created between 1972 and 1973, are revered for their bold portrayal of a pivotal moment in international diplomacy.

The stolen print, generously donated to Orange Coast College in September 2020, symbolizes a rare and precious addition to the institution’s art collection. Its sudden loss has left a void that cannot be easily filled, both in terms of sentimental and monetary worth.

In a cruel twist of fate, the original Warhol painting of “Mao” fetched a staggering $47.5 million at auction in 2015, underscoring the immense value associated with the artist’s iconic works. While the exact appraisal of the stolen print remains unknown, its significance within the art world cannot be overstated.

Campus police, alongside the Costa Mesa Police Department, are actively pursuing leads and following up on any potential sightings of the stolen print. Orange Coast College authorities have issued a heartfelt plea for the public’s assistance in locating the missing artwork, emphasizing the importance of its safe return to its rightful place.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen print is urged to contact the school’s campus safety department at (714) 432-5017 or reach out to the Costa Mesa Police Department at (714) 754-5252. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community are crucial in ensuring the swift recovery of this invaluable piece of art history.

The theft of the Andy Warhol “Mao” screen print from Orange Coast College represents not just a loss for the institution, but a blow to the artistic legacy of one of the most renowned figures in contemporary art. As the investigation unfolds, the hopes of recovering this iconic artwork rest on the collective vigilance and support of those who cherish the cultural significance of Warhol’s masterpieces. Let us stand united in preserving the integrity of our shared artistic heritage and bring “Mao” back home where it rightfully belongs.