1950s
His early career witnessed the soon-to-be artist working within commercial Illustration and Drawing where he became one of the most sought-after figures within advertising for his pioneering blotted ink technique.Eye-catching and different, the method seamlessly blends drawing with the fundamentals of printmaking. Warhol's process began by meticulously reproducing a pencil line drawing onto a sheet of non-absorbent paper, such as tracing paper. He would then affix this paper to a second sheet, one that would absorb ink, by securing their two edges together with tape on a single side. Armed with a fountain pen, Warhol carefully traced over select portions of the original lines with ink. The magic occurred when he folded the two sheets along the hinge and gently pressed or "blotted" them together. This meticulous procedure yielded the distinctive, punctuated, and fragile lines that became synonymous with Warhol's illustrations. Often, he added vibrant hues to his blotted line creations using watercolour dyes or embellished them with the opulence of gold leaf. Characterised by a whimsical, hand-drawn style with a focus on line art Warhol would work with esteemed department stores including Bonwit Teller and brands such as Tiffany’s.
1960s
The 1960s witnessed Andrew Warhola become Andy Warhol as he transitioned from illustrator into fine art. His experiences within commercial illustration proved to be central to his exploration and choice of everyday items as subject matter which he masterfully elevated to the status of fine art. It was not only his name that changed during this period, as Warhol moved into the world of fine art his subject matter and style changed too. Warhol began to develop, and master, the art of silkscreen printing which allowed for the mass production of images. This technique involved transferring a photograph onto a silk screen and using ink to create prints. Warhol’s painting style also evolved as he would begin to further incorporate and combine his fine art skills from his education with his growing pop-art sensibilities. Warhol’s subject matter began to focus on consumer goods, celebrities, and media imagery e.g his Campbell's Soup Cans and Marilyn Monroe paintings.Characterised by bright colours and bold outlines, Warhol captured the cultural zeitgeist of the moment through his use of
repetitive patterns, reflecting the mass production and consumption culture of the era.
1970s
At the midpoint in his career, Warhol inhabited a privileged position as both an established artist as well as the role of being identified as one of, if not the, central figures to an exciting movement. As one of the most influential artist in the world at the time, Warhol inhabited a privileged position where far from his fame and persona became as integral to his popularity as his art. During this era, Warhol moved away from the edgy, avant garde approach that he undertook in the factory and began to create more portrait work and work inspired by celebrity culture. He continued to use silkscreen printing (removing the hand of the artist of course) but with more of an emphasis on portraiture. During this period, he pushed silkscreen printing as a medium and often enhanced the process to create more intricate and varied textures in his prints, combining silkscreen with hand-painted details. Warhol produced numerous commissioned portraits of celebrities and wealthy patrons, contributing to his persona as a society artist including notable figures such Debbie Harry, Man Ray and the complete Athletes series. Warhol also began experimenting with different media and techniques, including the use of diamond dust in his "Diamond Dust Shoes" series.
1980s
Whilst Warhol’s influence was on the decline in the 1980;s compared to his rapid ascendency of the preceding years, his commitment to the avant garde and exploration of mediums saw him diversified his media, including television - with a popular MTV show - photography, and collaborations with other artists including Keith Haring and Jean Michel Basquiat. Warhol’s output saw him return to more painterly techniques while still incorporating silkscreen. His "The Last Supper" series combined silkscreen with hand-painted elements to critical acclaim. Likewise, his urge to innovate, a thread that ran throughout his life, continued with his use of computers and emerging digital technology, reflecting his continual interest in new methods of image production.The result a legacy that has seen the artist associated with both innovation and commercialisation, the cutting edge and cutting room floor and his position within the pantheon of great art that transcends his movement and epoque.
Whilst the medium employed by Warhol changed he was consistent in his use of repetition and seriality throughout his career, reflecting his fascination with mass production and consumerism.His use of commercial techniques and mass production maintained a commercial art sensibility, emphasising accessibility and the commodification of art.
Warhol's technique evolved from hand-drawn commercial illustrations to sophisticated silkscreen prints, incorporating new media and technology. His consistent focus on popular culture and mass production methods remained a central theme, while his technical approaches adapted to reflect changes in his artistic vision and the cultural landscape.
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