Andy Warhol (1928 – 1987), known by the nickname of “the Pope of Pop”, did not have an easy life, both socially and in the world of Art. Warhol was an artist who explored various areas within the artistic spectrum. He began with commercial illustration, later moving on to painting, while at the same time creating new techniques. He also made films, managed a band called The Velvet Underground and founded a cultural meeting place in New York City (the famous Silver Factory). Despite his genius, Warhol is often portrayed as a shallow artist, who has positioned himself in the art world for money and fame.
In this essay, we try to combat the argument of easy life, evidencing the depth of the artist, his art and social message. For this purpose, two of his well-known paintings will be analyzed: Campbell’s Soup Cans and Marilyn Diptych. In order to support the analysis, we use the historical and artistic context in which the artist lived and painted, and the opinions of other authors, against the background of Warhol’s own life. This way, we seek to see beyond the obvious, trying to give meaning to his expression: “I am a deeply superficial person.”
