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31/7/2000

Warhol Guerilla Art

G-mart, Philadelphia

Andy Warhol: Social Observer examines an aspect of Warhol's work and career that is often discussed, but has yet to be fully explored in either a museum setting or the scholarly literature: the depth and variety of Warhol's critical observations of American society and the ways in which his artistic strategies changed over the course of his career. The exhibition focuses on what the artist looked at, how he looked at those subjects and, in certain situations, how he himself was perceived by the society so inclined to keep its media trained on him. It will be divided into seven thematic sections: Disguise; Disaster; Politics; Advertising; Cover Stories; Celebrity; and Symbolism. These sections highlight Warhol's engagement with what he perceived to be socially relevant in art and life. The exhibition will consider the relationships between Warhol's interest in contemporary life as conveyed through the mass-media and the documentary strain of American social realism that has its roots in the early twentieth century.

The exhibition is comprised of 85 paintings, prints, photographs, and one film, as well as archival material borrowed from The Andy Warhol Museum. This material includes Interview magazines and other publications by Warhol, as well as selections from the artist's collection of photographs, newspaper articles, and promotional artifacts that figured prominently in the production of the work on display. One of Warhol's Time Capsules will also be included to provide a glimpse into a rarely examined aspect of his infatuation with the detritus of popular culture.

Andy Warhol: Social Observer presents a view of the artist that reevaluates this prevailing perception. Warhol considered himself a "pure artist"---specifically, not a social critic---and it is primarily because of this carefully crafted persona that art critics and historians have focused on the medium rather than the message of his work. However, Warhol was not an indifferent and passive participant in America's expanding consumer culture. He was a passionate observer---even obsessive in his attraction---with opinions, affiliations, sympathies, and a strong sense of politics. He never divorced his regard for content from his interest in media, be it newsprint, magazines, film, or television.

Museum of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Broad and Cherry Streets Philadelphia, PA 19102 (215) 972-7600

Admission: Andy Warhol: Social Observer and Permanent Collection $8 adults; $7 seniors and students with I.D.; $5 ages 18 and under; Free to members, children under 5. Sundays $3 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Andy Warhol's influence on local artists can be seen at G-mart beginning August 1. G-mart is located at 38 N. 3rd Street in Philadelphia. For more information, call 215-923-6980.

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