Inspired by Andy Warhol

Ten Foot Flowers 1967

Race Riot 1964

Ambulance Disaster 1963

Andy Warhol is a influential artists who’s work became popular in the 60’s. He was a leading figure in the art movement known as pop art. His works explore the relationship between artistic expression, celebrity culture, and advertisement that flourished by the 1960s. His work consists of screen printed illustrations of popular commercial items and celebrities. His work created controversy as his paintings sold for millions yet the item he was painting sold for $6 or less. People began to question the meaning behind his art. He explains that the serial repetition of an image drained it of its meaning. His series of graphic art work reflects the tragedy of the war and corruption that was occurring in the 60’s. His repetitive art is a way of stripping away the violence that is constantly advertised in that era. 

The first image I found interesting is Warhol’s painting of ten foot flowers, which is part of his flowers series. He started painting the flowers series in 1967. The painting soon became a phenomenon trade mark of the era. It was very popular for psychedelic décor. The vibrant contrasting colours he uses reflects the vibrant spirit of hippy culture. 

The flowers symbolises peace in which the hippie movement promotes.

The hippie era was all about making change, the young generation learned to create statement and stand up against corruption and violence. Warhol’s screen print “Race Riot” demonstrated the powerful movement of the hippies. The art piece displays the protest for civil rights in Alabama 1963. Both black and white citizens marched peacefully yet they were provoked and attacked by the police. He used the colours red, blue and white which represents America’s democracy. This sarcastic approach mocks the government and how ironic it is for them to promote democracy yet there is still racial issues. 

Warhol’s “Ambulance Disaster” is part of his “Death” series. By repeating images of death and disaster, it takes away the affect of it on a person. The hippie era was a time when a lot of deaths occurred due to war and violence. Warhol’s paintings shows that death is a natural thing and the fact that it happens everyday, specially in a time of war, makes it less significant. 

Andy Warhol was an extrodinary artist who created bold statements, through his art, which caused controversy in society. His art work had an anti-culture element which portrays the angst of the hippy movement.