© mihail ivanov

Andy Warhol is one of the main figures of American pop art in the 50s and 60s of the 20th century. He is also known as the father of an important New York art movement in the 1980s, in this period he experienced a revival of fame. Partly because of his friendships with several upcoming younger artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat. The 1980s were a time when Warhol was criticized for becoming just a ‘business artist’, this criticism can also be seen as ‘the most brilliant mirror of our time’.

Warhol’s works are known for exploring the relationship between artistic expression, advertising, and celebrity culture that flourished in the 1960s. His works are very diverse in media, including painting, screen printing, photography, film and sculpture. Despite the great diversity, Warhol’s portraits form one of the most central categories within his oeuvre. He has portrayed numerous celebrities and well-known figures in high society including Aretha Franklin, John Lennon, Dolly Parton, Man Ray and many others. With this Warhol has shown the power of the media as the photographic image serves as an aesthetic system that is implemented in society. Over time, some works have become so much more than the symbol of an artistic movement. It may be said: Warhol created masterpieces that are not bound by time or place.