Modern Art and Artists - Andy Warhol

Image via WikipediaBy Joy C. Harrison

Andy Warhol is synonymous with modern art. When most people think modern art, they think of some of Warhol's most famous works. He was not only instrumental in the field of pop art, he was a fixture in the art community and New York City nightlife. His friends, all interesting characters themselves helped him create some of the most surreal pieces of film in American history.

Andy Warhol, born Andrew Warhola, was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania to Ondrej and Julia Warhola, emigrants from Slovakia. As a child, Warhol developed chorea, a complication of scarlet fever that causes skin pigmentation blotchiness. His childhood was rough, having been abandoned by his mother and becoming an outcast at school. He found solace in movie stars and radio.

Warhol's talent was recognized after studying commercial art at what is now Carnegie Mellon University. He started his career as a magazine illustrator and advertising artist. He was later hired by RCA to design album covers and promo materials.

Warhol eventually showcased his work in several galleries in the early 1960s, becoming widely known for his pop art based on icons like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Elvis Presley, while also showcasing a variety of household objects such as his famous Campbell's Tomato Soup Cans, Brillo Boxes, and coke bottles. As his art began to grow in popularity, he began experimenting with silk-screening, films, and sculpture at "The Factory" (Warhol's studio on 47th Street in New York City).

Warhol was also known for coining the phrase "15 minutes of fame" stating that everyone gets their 15 minutes at some point in their life.

After passing away in the 1980s due to complications from routine gall bladder surgery, most of his estate was auctioned off by Sotheby's (which took 9 days to complete due to the number of items that Warhol owned), however his art continues to live on and inspire others.

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