Warhol

by Klaus Honnef

Published September 1994
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.

Pop Art

by Klaus Honnef

Published 27 February 2004
Pop artists of the 1960s, heralded by the Great Andy Warhol, commented on everything from mainstream media to consumer society to advertising to product packaging with colorful and often comical works. Pop Art's profound influence on contemporary art and culture remains prominent today. Nowhere else can you find so much Pop Art in such a compact, stylish book!