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.”