Andy Warhol
In 1962, Warhol exhibited his 'Campbell's Soup Cans' at the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles, 32 hand-painted canvases that catapulted him to fame as a leader of the Pop art movement. The work redefined what could be art and made everyday consumer goods iconic.
From Ads to Art
Born in Pittsburgh to working-class immigrant parents, Warhol built a successful career as a commercial illustrator in New York before turning to fine art. His shift to painting consumer goods would change art history.
Pop Icon
His 1962 'Campbell's Soup Cans' and silkscreen portraits of Marilyn Monroe made him the face of Pop art. From his studio 'The Factory,' he produced films, music and a glittering social scene.
Lasting Influence
Warhol founded 'Interview' magazine and mentored younger artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat. He died in 1987 at age 58, and his works now rank among the most valuable ever sold at auction.
Career Timeline
- 1949Moves to New York as a commercial illustrator
- 1962'Campbell's Soup Cans' debut at Ferus Gallery
- 1962Creates 'Marilyn Diptych' after Monroe's death
- 1964Opens his studio, 'The Factory'
- 1966Produces the Velvet Underground and Nico
- 1968Shot and nearly killed by Valerie Solanas
- 1969Founds 'Interview' magazine
- 1975Publishes 'The Philosophy of Andy Warhol'
- 1982Begins collaborations with Jean-Michel Basquiat
- 1987Dies after gallbladder surgery in February
Biggest Hits
- Born Andrew Warhola Jr. to Rusyn immigrant parents, he dropped the final 'a' from his surname early in his New York career.
- Warhol's 1968 shooting by Valerie Solanas left lifelong injuries that contributed to his death nearly 19 years later.
Portrait: Jack Mitchell · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons