Andy Warhol Posters 'n' Pop

Photography and Silkscreen

Photography

Warhol initially borrowed photographic images from advertising and photojournalism for his movie-star portraits and silkscreen paintings. Later, he was rarely seen without a camera as his own photographs began to capture the faces of the rich and famous. His photo booth sessions with his subjects, as well as his countless Polaroids, were special favorites for his silkscreen paintings. It is said that Andy left behind more than 60,000 snapshots and Polaroids.

For more information on Andy Warhol's photography, visit IPC.

Statue of Liberty 1982

Bridge c.1986

Silkscreen
Warhol almost completely abandoned his brush and pen in favor of the silkscreen technique. Silk-screening involves printing an image through a fine screen onto paper or canvas. This process allowed Warhol to duplicate his source photographs quickly, cheaply and precisely, in varied sizes, patterns and colors. Thirty Are Better Than One is the title of a painting with multiple images of the Mona Lisa. Warhol's other famous silk-screens include Marilyn Monroe, Che Guevara and Gumby.

Depending on one's interpretation, this technique has been viewed as a celebration of mass culture or as a critique.