Andy Warhol

Popartuk Knowledge Base

Childhood

Most people will find it interesting to know that Andy Warhol was originally called ‘Andrew Warhola’ and was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in America in 1928. As a child Warhol suffered from a condition called St Vitus Dance; an abnormal involuntarily movement disorder, causing him to be bed-ridden for most of his childhood, during this time he would draw in his bed while listening to the radio and collecting images of the Hollywood stars. Warhol claims that this period of his childhood helped to shape his personality and broadened his artistic skills. It wasn’t until 1949 that he moved to New York City where he began a career as a successful magazine illustrator and advertiser.

Adult Life and Death

During the 1960’s Warhol started his more famous works, such as the Campbell’s Soup tins and his portrayals of the rich and famous such as Marilyn Monroe and Liz Taylor. His works were considered quite controversial yet extremely popular. In 1968 something happened to Warhol that deeply changed his art and most definitely his life forever. On June the third he was shot by factory worker Valerie Solonas who claimed that Warhol had ‘too much control’ over her life. Solonas was later sentenced to three years in jail, leaving Warhol wounded badly. For the rest of his life he had to wear a corset to prevent him from further injury. It was not until 1987 however that Warhol died in hospital after recovering from a recent operation involving his gall bladder he died of a heart attack in the early hours of the morning on the 22nd of February. Warhol was buried by his brothers in Pittsburgh.

Famous Works

The Campbell’s soup advertisement still remains one of Andy Warhol’s biggest achievements of his career; you can now by copies of this beautiful print in the form of canvas or posters. It is a firm favourite and a must have for all of Warhol’s Fans.

Another one of Warhol’s big successes were his prints of Hollywood stars such as John Lennon and Marilyn Monroe, these are still available today to buy in canvases or posters. They are also regular featured in calendars and are a big part of the pop art movement.