A portrait of the artist in society : Warhol paints Warhol
Date
1998
Authors
Tozer, Patricia Ann
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Abstract
In the early 1960s, Andy Warhol began to develop a distinctive public persona that was characterized to a great extent by a watchful, aloof nature. He used his persona to promote himself in the art world and to a general audience. Throughout his career, Warhol completed a number of self portraits which he used to further emphasize his public image. Three such images, dating to 1964, 1965- 67, and 1981 consecutively, are the focus of this thesis. These self portraits appear at important points in Warhol's life and they function as markers that indicate his persona and career goals at the given time. In addition, it can be said that some of Warhol's more personal concerns are revealed in these images. Common themes of rebellion, homosexuality and Warhol's own perception of his place in the art world are found in all three of these images.