Warhol-ism

                                                                                                                          Image by fanpop

Nowhere is there a better example of the convergence of culture and the commercial world than the works of Andy Warhol. Today as we look at his creations, better known as pop art (fine art meets commercial illustration), you can comfortably debate the merits of his status as a 20th century artistic icon.

So why discuss him now?

A conversation of Warhol's work, from the late 60's to the early 80's, is relevant today because of the unique way in which he took two opposing worlds and bridged them together.

In today's marketplace creativity is literally bursting at the seams, yet we are struggling with how to translate that into new commercial means. Therein lies the challenge: how to develop new and creative business ideas as the market changes, evolves and re-configures itself; in the process, leave behind deteriorating old business concepts and models that are becoming less and less viable. New opportunities are abundant to construct contemporary relationships between culture and the commercial world.

Warhol presents a unique and interesting historical template in walking the tighrope between these two distinct arenas.

An interesting quote from him:

"What's great about this country is that America started the tradition where the richest consumers buy essentially the same things as the poorest. You can be watching TV and see Coca Cola, and you know that the President drinks Coca Cola, Liz Taylor drinks Coca Cola, and just think, you can drink Coca Cola, too."

With this statement Warhol touches upon the idea of democratization - everyone, no matter who you are, has the opportunities to enjoy the same things. His observation of this cultural idea becomes particularly acute in today's environment as the internet has, on innumerable levels, democratized the marketplace. It has created unprecedented opportunities for anyone to impact the market.

So the question now becomes - how do we embrace Warhol-ism (but for the 21st century)? What's the process for taking today's creative culture and today's market realities and translating that into commercial opportunities, just as he did over 30 years ago?

We have a few ideas. . . (stay tuned).

Comments

[Ayah]

I really like the photo/wallpaper of Andy Warhol on this page. I was wondering if you could show me where to learn how to make something similar, or help point me in the right direction: what filter was used, what the effect is called, anything! Thank you so much!