Andy Warhol

“An artist is someone who produces things that people don’t need to have but that he – for some reason – thinks it would be a good idea to give them.”

-          Andy Warhol

From the design of the Campbell’s Soup can to the colorful portrait of Marilyn Monroe we love so much; it was Andy Warhol who introduced us to pop art.

“During the 1960s, I think, people forgot what emotions were supposed to be. And I don’t think they’ve ever remembered,” said Warhol. From a dollar bill to a soda bottle, it was those everyday images, people, and objects that Warhol had an eye for. The Ferus Gallery of Los Angeles was where he first displayed his work as a fine artist. The images itself were captivating, but it was the details that made his work spark an interest.

From writers to musicians, and his crew of workers, it was Warhol’s New York studio The Factory that brought all types of artsy people together. In fact, it became a network of its own. Warhol even shot films in his studio and was known to put together some of the most memorable parties.

Warhol believed, “Everyone will be famous in the future for fifteen minutes.” It was that idea that had lead to the discovery of The Warhol Superstars. These everyday people were not only featured in his artwork but accompanied him in his everyday life.

Popular yet controversial, the work of Warhol still lives on. Not only do the pieces lie on the walls of colloctors, but in the arms of women as they carry their handbags which sport his images. Well known producer and rapper, Swizz Beatz is one of many to collect Warhol’s work. In fact it was those very images that motivated him to start producing work of his own.  

The Andy Warhol museum that lies in Pennsylvania is known to be one of the largest in the U.S dedicated to a single artist. It even offers programs for the youth, making sure the dream of Warhol remains alive.  Andy Warhol died on February 22, 1987 but will forever be remembered for the little things he made a bit more interesting.