Andy Warhol

Known for his Pop imagery, avant-garde films, and enigmatic muses, Andy Warhol was a vital figure in the New York City art scene. Making a name for himself throughout the 1960's with his eccentric portrayal of commercialism and pop culture, Warhol soon became a much sought after artist, attracting the attention of both Manhattan's elite and those marginalized in society. In reference to Warhol's ability to draw a crowd, art critic David Bourdon observes, "I think Andy is quite conscious of everything that he's doing. He's a little but of a provocateur in that he always foresees what the reaction will be to a work before he starts it." (David Bourdon). Warhol predicted cultural and artistic trends while simultaneously holding a mirror up to those who perpetrated them. His iconic muses such as Candy Darling and Brigid Polk fueled his desire for artistic voyeurism and represented Warhol's aesthetic extremes. Through his Superstars Warhol both flirted with and mocked the idea of fame and what it meant to be "known" in a city like New York.