Andy Warhol's America

Some artists die in obscurity, and are only famous later. Some artists manage to become known while alive; it's a more lucrative route. Often, this requires vigorous self-promotion. But with Andy Warhol there's a sense that almost goes beyond this: that Warhol became famous, and rich, precisely because he was seen as representing the zeitgeist; and to some extent, his representation of the zeitgeist was his art. Warhol's oeuvre could and would never have been produced as a hobby, or even obsession, by someone who no-one hard heard of; and the question "is it any good?" can't really be answered independently of the context, and culture, in which is was produced. This makes his life story also inerently interesting as a reflection his times, even though his was hardly the story of an everyman. In some ways, Warhol's work anticipated what digital technology would make commonplace and easy; it seems surprising to think he produced much of it through mechanical techniques. There is a definite sense in which we still live in Warhol's world, whether or not we would wish to.

Andy Warhol's America is a three part series of Warhol's personal life, his art, and the social life he lived.

Once I started I couldn't stop watching because Warhol is such a mysteriously complex person - withdrawn into himself yet his thoughts are the very images he created. I believe he is a perfect example of that type of person who has fame and fortune fall unto them not because he sought it out; but rather fame and fortune found him.

His life and creative self are both fascinating and depressing! He mirrored a world that seemed hell bent on self destruction. I wonder how he would interpret todays world?

This series is well worth seeing but be prepared to see a world that is sad and confusing. And incredible art that looks mass produced and yet the very personal expression of his ability to show us how and where 'art' can be found!