Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Andy Warhol
Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Andy Warhol.
Andy Warhol, a pivotal figure in the pop art movement, was an American visual artist, film director, and producer whose work redefined the relationship between art, advertising, and celebrity culture. Emerging in the 1960s, Warhol's diverse creations spanned painting, sculpture, photography, and filmmaking. Iconic works like 'Campbell's Soup Cans' and 'Marilyn Diptych,' alongside experimental films such as 'Chelsea Girls' and the provocative 'Blue Movie,' solidified his influence. His multimedia events, 'Exploding Plastic Inevitable,' further showcased his innovative approach, establishing him as a leading artist of the 20th century.
1960: Warhol treated for condylomata
In 1960, Andy Warhol received hospital treatment for condylomata, a sexually transmitted disease.
December 1962: Pop Art Symposium at MoMA
In December 1962, New York City's Museum of Modern Art hosted a symposium on pop art, where artists such as Warhol were attacked for "capitulating" to consumerism.
1967: Marilyn Monroe Portfolio Screenprints
In 1967, the most famous unauthorized reproductions are Marilyn Monroe portfolio screenprints.
June 3, 1968: Shooting at The Factory
On June 3, 1968, radical feminist writer Valerie Solanas shot Warhol and Mario Amaya at The Factory. Warhol was seriously wounded by the attack and remained in the hospital for nearly two months.
June 1968: Assassination Attempt
In June 1968, Valerie Solanas attempted to assassinate Andy Warhol. This event significantly impacted Warhol's life and career.
1968: Assassination Attempt
In 1968, there was an assassination attempt on Andy Warhol.
1969: Release of Blue Movie
In 1969, Andy Warhol's last film as director, Blue Movie, was released. The film, featuring Viva and Louis Waldon, was controversial at the time for its frank approach to a sexual encounter, becoming a seminal film in the Golden Age of Porn.
1970: Sunday B Morning Screenprints
In 1970, screens and film matrixes were taken to Europe for the production of Warhol screenprints under the name "Sunday B Morning", leading to unauthorized reproductions.
December 1977: Oxidation Series Creation
In December 1977, Warhol began his Oxidation series, using his own urine and that of others to create unique effects on copper-primed canvases.
1977: Socializing at Studio 54 and Torsos Series
In 1977, Andy Warhol socialized at Studio 54 and began taking nude photographs of men for the Torsos and Sex Parts series, causing tension in his relationship with Jed Johnson.
1980: Warhol proclaims he is still a virgin
In 1980, Andy Warhol publicly proclaimed that he was still a virgin, a statement contradicted by later evidence.
1980: Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century
In 1980, Andy Warhol's exhibition Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century at the Jewish Museum in Manhattan was panned by critics.
2013: Sunday B Morning Prints Still in Production
As of 2013, "Sunday B Morning" Marilyn Monroe prints were still under production, despite being unauthorized reproductions.
