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Artworks
Andy Warhol
Superman (F & S II.260), 1981
Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
96.5 x 96.5 cm.
38 x 38 in.
38 x 38 in.
Edition of 200, 30 AP, 5 PP, 5 EP
Signed and numbered in pencil
Andy Warhol’s Superman is a standout print from his 1981 Myths portfolio, celebrated for its bold, graphic, and vibrant style. Depicting the iconic superhero in all his glory, Superman’s bright red cape billows dramatically, and his arm is confidently raised towards the sky. The print contrasts Superman's vivid blues and reds against a dark background, emphasising his powerful physique. Warhol enhances this classic image by overlaying it with a second, softer version of the figure, adding expressive lines to highlight the hero's dynamic presence. This technique, characteristic of Warhol’s approach, infuses the print with the dramatic flair of a movie poster or comic book cover.
Warhol’s fascination with American popular culture is evident in his extensive body of work, which spans from Hollywood celebrity portraits to appropriated photographs. As his career evolved, Warhol’s focus shifted from celebrity culture to include politicians, fictional characters, and athletes—whom he termed the "movie stars" of the 1970s. The Myths portfolio features ten iconic figures from the turn of the 20th century, contrasting steadfast heroes like Superman with formidable villains such as the Wicked Witch of the West. This juxtaposition highlights Warhol’s exploration of American mythology and popular culture, illustrating how these characters, though often confined to film or cultural references, have become enduring symbols of idealised childhood memories shaped by capitalism and consumerism.