The Philosophy of Andy Warhol

"I never fall apart because I never fall together" -Andy Warhol


I think it is safe to assume that most people have probably heard of Andy Warhol and are probably familiar with his famous art work (Campbell's soup? Portrait of Marilyn Monroe?) Yes, Warhol is quintessential American art. He was also a filmmaker, magazine editor, and all-around genius. But some people might not know that Warhol became a published author in 1975 when he wrote an autobiography called The Philosophy of Andy Warhol.

The book is certainly not a typical autobiography. It doesn't involve long anecdotes about his childhood in Pennsylvania (although there are some funny bits involving his awkward adolescence), his parents, or any of the run-of-the-mill history one might expect. Instead, the book is really more like a journal or maybe a letter to a friend. It is full of his opinions about often important topics- relationships, love, death, success. But those topics are just so serious and draining, so Warhol works his magic and ends up writing about drag queens, famous friends, psychiatry, candy and television. "When I got my first TV set, I stopped caring so much about having close relationships with other people," he writes.

Every page is witty, sometimes sarcastic, and always fascinating. This book is an opportunity to learn more about the man behind the pop art phenomenon. For anyone who might be curious to know what was going on in the mind of Warhol during the height of his fame, his autobiography is a great resource. You will laugh out loud at least once, I promise.

www.warhol.org
Andy Warhol Museum
Pittsburgh, PA
Keeps you up-to-date about other events and collections at the museum.
Also has a fun online shop with all the Warhol merchandise you could ever dream of.