Ever controversial, Andy Warhol captivated, outraged and influenced the contemporary art scene until the day of his untimely death. The key issues in Warhol's art were his innovative use of imagery and his shrewd observation of poplar culture. Andy Warhol stands for Pop in the public imagination more than any other artist, through his paintings, objects and underground movies.
Early Years
In 1949, Warhol moved to New York and presented his advertisements using a monotype process to create blotted ink lines. In 1960, Warhol made his first paintings based on comic strips: "Dick Tracy," "Saturday's Popeye," "Superman" and two of "Coca-Cola Bottles."
Early 1960s
Warhol used the silkscreen process for mechanical repetition for the first time in August of 1962. He turned to the examination of popular American iconic figures such as Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. In 1963, Warhol made his first 16 mm film, "Tarzan and Jane Regained...Sort of, " starring Taylor Mead and Dennis Hopper.
Late 1960s
In 1966, Warhol directed "Chelsea Girls" with Paul Morrissey, the first underground, non-narrative, spit screen film to be shown in a commercial theater. He also produced a multimedia show featuring the band Velvet Underground.
1970s
During the 1970s, Warhol made his own image the subject of his art. In 1976, inspired by graffiti Italian art, Warhol did the "Skulls" and the "Hammer and the Sickle" series using sponge-mopped backgrounds.
1980s
In 1980, Warhol became an executive producer of "Andy Warhol's TV" on cable. He also published an autobiography, reinforcing his image as a highly intelligent and witty commentator on the contemporary scene.
Artistic Credo
Warhol's art emphasized his desire to eliminate the personal signature of the artist, to depict the life and the images of our time without comment. Presented either singly or in monotonous repetition, his images sometimes become chilling either through the abstract austerity of their organization or through our associations.
