Andy Warhol, 1928-1987: Commerce Into Art

A critical observer of American society: Campbell and Brillo


Andy Warhol is recognized today as the most important exponent of the Pop Art movement. He overturned the traditional understanding of art and placed in its stead a concept that retracts the individuality of the artist. Warhol was a critical observer of American society, exposing his compatriots’ consumerism in his paintings (’Campbell-’ and ’Brillo’ series), as well as their fascination for sensational journalism. In 1963 Warhol founded his ’Factory’ in New York, literally a manufactory of ideas and work, which influenced film in the 1960s, published the influential magazine Interview in the late 1970s, and also produced Warhol’s own artwork: Warhol conceived the idea, and a ’worker’ in his factory carried it out. The work remained (consciously) unsigned - a fact which nevertheless did nothing to diminish Warhol’s reputation. He once complained that rich New Yorkers would willingly hang his "Electric Chain" in their living rooms - as long as its colours co-ordinated with the wallpaper and draperies.

About the Series: Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Art series features:

• a detailed chronological summary of the life and oeuvre of the artist, covering his or her cultural and historical importance
• a concise biography
• approximately 100 illustrations with explanatory captions