A look behind the painting: pop art pope Andy Warhol

Art is all you can do without.

There is an iconic counterculture figure who has forever changed the current artistic landscape. No rules, no conformities and a flippant disregard for the norm – the popularity of the contemporary pop art movement of the 1960s can only be attributed to one man, Andy Warhol.

One of the most celebrated artists in history, the American defined a generation of artists exploring the relationship between artistic expression, advertising and celebrity culture.

A top band, which would make for an interesting dinner, are among America’s most famous subjects – Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Mouse, Campbell’s Soup Cans and Brillo Boxes have all been represented by the ‘Pope Pop Art’.

His works also include some of the most expensive paintings ever sold. His serigraph of 1963, Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster)sold for A$143.6 million in November 2013. Arguably his most famous piece, a 1963 serigraph, Eight Elvisgrossed A$136.8 million in October 2008.

Andy Warhol’s Silver Car Crash (double disaster) | Source: Sotheby’s

Although known for producing works in mediums such as screen printing, photography, film and sculpture, Warhol began his career as a graphic designer. He quickly rose to prominence working for popular magazines like “vogue,” “Charm,” and “Harper’s Bazaaras well as retail giants like Tiffany & Co.

His 1962 Campbell Soup Cans advertising serigraphs eventually skyrocketed his fame as an artist, opening his studio, “The Factory”, in 1968. The Manhattan studio became a popular haunt for artists, celebrities and socialites of the time.

Andy Warhol in The Money Factory
Andy Warhol in the Money Factory | Source: Pinterest

As philosophical as he was artistic, Warhol not only produced groundbreaking works of art, but he had a profound impact on the course of art history.

In the future, everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.

Coining the worldwide aphorism, “15 minutes of fame”, the prediction represents yet another testament to one man’s lasting legacy.

To this day, his works are highly sought after, fetching exorbitant prices at auctions around the world. In Australia, Lyons Gallery presents the opportunity to own exclusive Andy Warhol serigraphs and lithographs.

Andy WarholMarilyn Monroe (Maryline), the 1967 serigraph is part of the much sought after series. This iconic hot pink and blue pop art portrait is from a promotional photo of Rose, a femme fatale played by Marilyn. This work is stamped and signed by hand by the artist in pencil in the 78/250 edition.

Lyons Gallery Andy Warhol - Marilyn Monroe 1967
Lyons Gallery Andy Warhol – Marilyn Monroe 1967 | Source: Lyon Gallery

This lithograph is signed in stone and numbered in pencil as the 1620 of 3000 edition. Printed by the artist’s estate after his death, this piece measures 50 × 40 cm and features Campbell’s Soup Tomato I by Andy Warhol.

lyonsgallery-andy-warhol Campbell's Tomato Soup 1969
Lyons Gallery Andy Warhol – Campbell’s Tomato Soup 1969 | Source: Lyon Gallery

This brilliant lithograph is signed in the plate and numbered in pencil and stamped by the artist’s estate as a 1512 of 2400 edition. During his lifetime, Warhol was also well known for his images of iconic faces. These then became large-format serigraphs on canvas.

Lyons Gallery Andy Warhol Mick Jagger portrait
Lyons Gallery Andy Warhol – Mick Jagger Portrait 1969

Comments are closed.