A Tribute to Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol, born Andrew Warhola, was one of the most prolific and influential artists of his time. He was a successful magazine and ad illustrator until he became one of the leading figures in the Pop Art movement. Yesterday, the 6th of August marked what would have been the iconic Pop Artist's 95th birthday.
To celebrate the legacy left behind, let's take a look at some well-known photographs that captured the essence of Andy Warhol:
Robert Mapplethorpe, Andy Warhol, 1983, Courtesy of Tate
This is one of four portraits taken by Robert Mapplethorpe of the artist in the early 80s. Warhol was a significant influence on the photographer and encouraged his 'darker' approach to photography.
Nat Finkelstein, Factory panorama with Andy, 1966. © Estate of Nat Finkelstein. Courtesy Elizabeth Murray Finkelstein.
In 1964, Finkelstein joined the Factory as a photojournalist and stayed for three years as he captured some of the most iconic images of the time. His photographs were spontaneous as he noted familiar faces that entered the infamous studio.
Hervé Gloaguen, Andy WARHOL, NY 1966 (With Nico, Gérard MALANGA, Paul MORISSEY on “Tiger Morse”), 1966
In the mid-60s French photographer, Hervé Gloaguen entered the New York scene at the centre of Andy Warhol's circle. On assignment by the French magazine, Réalités, he captured Warhol's city with a unique insider gaze.
Nat Finkelstein, Velvet Underground and Andy Warhol, 1989
An emerging photojournalist at the time who was intrigued by unveiling the subcultures of society, he is now one of the most notable photo historians of Warhol's Factory. Although often at odds with the frontrunner of the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed, Finkelstein's images captured the essence of life at the time in Andy Warhol's circle and the early days of the band.
David LaChapelle, Andy Warhol, 1986, Courtesy of David LaChapelle Photography
LaChapelle began his creative career at Interview Magazine working as a commercial photographer until transitioning to a private artist. He is now recognized as one of the most influential pop photographers of his time. He is known for his overly propped and expressive sets using Warhol's mindset of "do whatever you want just make everyone look good." This image of Andy Warhol is notably the last portrait of the artist taken before his death. The two bibles strategically placed behind the artist plays upon the Last Supper series that Warhol was creating during the time. A modern twist on who Jesus would sit beside in society at the time.
Sources:
https://www.guyhepner.com/to-andy-from-david-a-tribute-to-andy-warhol-from-david-lachapelle/
https://www.vice.com/en/article/nz4ajz/andy-warhol-french-photography-60s-nostalgia Andy Warhol: The Factory Years, 1964-1967 by Nat Finkelstein
http://galeriearcturus.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/2016-du-3-au-27-novembre-Hervé-Gloaguen-New-York-at-the-time-of-Andy-Warhol-DP-anglais-1.pdf
https://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/12/books/warhol-the-workingman.html