Andy Warhol: Background
Originally Andrew Warhola, Andy Warhol was born on August 6, 1928 to Czechoslovakian immigrants in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1932, Warhol was diagnosed with St. Vitus’ Dance, or Chorea, which affected his nervous system. This would prove to be just a single obstacle that Warhol would overcome to achieve his dream of becoming an artist. In good health, Warhol later went on to pursue a degree in pictorial design from the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1949. Using his skills as an artist, he then began to find work as a commercial illustrator for such companies as Tiffany & Co., Columbia Records, and Vogue. It’s not until the 1960’s however, that Warhol emerged as the Pop artist he is best known as today. His collection of Pop Art included everything from soup cans to celebrity portraits. Warhol then furthered his prominence by opening his own studio in 1962 named the "Factory" and added film-maker and photographer to his resume. Warhol continued to bask in the glory of his success until June 3, 1968 when he was shot at the Factory by a former friend. Although Warhol survived the attempted murder, his work steadily declined
until his death on February 22, 1987.
until his death on February 22, 1987.
To learn more about Warhol's celebrity portraits, click on the link below: