We finally got a chance to check out the much-anticipated Andy Warhol exhibit at the Art Gallery of Alberta. In viewing his works, we discovered a little bit about the man behind the manufactured art. He was an eccentric man with a lust for all things famous: people and products in particular. His art took shape during the 50s and 60s at a time when the general public became fascinated with the glamorous lives of the Hollywood stars and fell prey to enticing ads! Each of Warhol’s pieces, unique in their own right, were manufactured reproductions of our cultural preoccupations. Warhol used silk-screening techniques combined with painting to alter and reproduce the things he found most fascinating in American culture. From his industrial techniques rose a new type of art: pop art.
Here are some of our most memorable pieces and quotes from the exhibit:
“My idea of a good picture is one that’s in focus
and of a famous person.” – Andy Warhol
“It would be very glamorous to be reincarnated
as a great big ring on Liz Taylor’s finger.” -Andy Warhol
“I’d asked around 10 or 15 people for suggestions. Finally one lady
friend asked the right question, ‘Well, what do you love most?’
That’s how I started painting money.” – Andy Warhol
“I love Los Angeles. I love Hollywood.
They’re beautiful. Everybody’s plastic,
but I love plastic. I want to be plastic.” – Andy Warhol
“What’s great about this country is that America
started the tradition where the richest consumers buy
essentially the same things as the poorest.” – Andy Warhol
Experience ANDY WARHOL: Manufactured until August 21st at the Art Gallery of Alberta. It was an interesting exhibit; definitely worth seeing!
LB
Culture Wanted 
