The most renowned artist to emerge in the early 1960s, Andy Warhol developed a mechanical approach to art in reaction to the emotionally charged ‘high’ art of Abstract Expressionism in the mid-20th century. In his art, which ranged from painting and film to photography, Warhol employed popular and commercial techniques—such as silk screening, a Polaroid camera, and passport photo booths—and depicted household names, whether consumer products (such as Brillo, Campbell, and Coca-Cola) or celebrities (such as Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Onassis). He often made himself a subject of his art. Through performance, make up, and wigs, Warhol composed physical barriers to mask his personal identity.

Warhol’s Self-Portraits series does not offer insights into the artist’s soul; rather it highlights his chameleon-like ability to disguise his individuality through glamorous poses, illustrating the artist’s famous quote “The Best American Invention—To be able to Disappear.”