INSPIRATIONS + OBSERVATIONS

ANDY'S POLAROIDED SELFIE was the sixth painting in my series of pop inspired work. Being heavily influenced by Andy Warhol, I thought it was time to go back and rediscover my passions for the work. In flipping through a standard Pop Art book, I found myself stuck on Andy's portrait of Marilyn. Curious at the power of art and its ability to marry these two icons into our working memories forever-- I questioned Andy's interest in Marilyn as a subject, was it in her life or in her death?  Consequently, thoughts on greatness, repetition, consumption, and influence, etc. started bubbling to the surface and so I knew I had to proceed with a series of work. But most importantly, it is my point of view that it is our responsibility to examine our Visual Culture-- instead of just consuming 'it' that drives my passion throughout the series. 

ANDY'S POLAROIDED SELFIE aims to get intimate with the artist and his point of view -- the four smaller images were selected to show the unique unfolding of time and talent. I used a family portrait to pay homage to his roots. A line drawing to show the early onset of his confident, graphic artist hand. A Marilyn to remind us of the power of canonized imagery. And a prepubescent Andy to demonstrate that young kid was always present in his work -- just because none of us can outrun our past experiences.