Andy Warhol Frontier Analysis

The term “frontier” can be interpreted in multiple ways; “frontier” can refer to the expansion and exploration of both unknown geographic areas and the mind. The crossing of a new frontier can refer to pushing the boundaries of what is considered normal or acceptable. A frontier can force the mind to expand its manner of thinking and venture into areas unknown. Andy Warhol crossed his own frontier when he explored the concept of Pop Art. Pop Art was a far cry from the traditional art of the past—it pushed the boundaries of modern art. Warhol’s use of bold colors, repetitive imagery, easily identifiable subjects, and innovative techniques forced the viewers of his pieces to examine art with a perspective that broadened and expanded their way of thinking. Warhol created an environment of dialectical tension in his studio, which he achieved by using culturally inclusive iconic images that stood in contrast contrasted to his advanced approach and methods of producing artwork. This indicates that Warhol believed that progression was still possible and necessary in society. However, Warhol didn’t believe progression and advancement necessitated the loss of personal connection must be lost. He wanted Americans to reconnect with each other again. Warhol believed that while a flawed America was dominated by consumerism, technological advancement and progression, as well as human interaction and individuality went hand-in-hand—a balance between the two were necessary. By abandoning the traditional methods of creating art and producing his pieces in mass quantity, Warhol was able to portray his perception that America was becoming a “detached” and “impersonal” society (Doss 157). He believed that consumerism was a contributing factor to this detachment. Warhol, who had previously worked in the advertising industry, was all too familiar with the concept of consumerism. At the beginning of his career, Warhol hand-painted his pieces, but beginning in 1962, he adapted a new method of producing art through the use of a “photo-silkscreen process,” and the help of a staff and assembly-lines. Because of this unusual method, Warhol was able to produce up to eighty pieces of artwork a day, and his studio was deemed ‘The Factory’ (Doss 157). In his own studio, Warhol was able to create a balance between technological innovation and human interaction. He created an environment where people worked both with technology and with each other to achieve a common goal. The “personal touch,” individuality, and creativity were never meant to be lost because of technology—they were all meant to coexist. In 1962, Warhol created one of his most iconic pieces entitled “Twenty-Five Colored Marilyns” in order to aid a grieving American society over the loss of Marilyn Monroe, the focus of the piece (Doss 157). Why call attention to such an unfortunate loss so soon after it occurred and with so many Americans grieving the loss of …show more content…
He used “Coca-Cola bottles, comic-strip characters, news stories, Hollywood movie stars, and other objects of popular culture” in his art (“Andy Warhol” 1). His use of bold vivid colors worked to draw the eye of in and make sure the piece did not go unnoticed by anyone. Warhol felt that Americans were breaking apart. While technology was helpful and innovative, it seemed to be replacing human contact and causing a lack in creativity. His art attempted to strengthen their bond once again. By centering his pieces around objects and icons familiar to all Americans, he formed a sense of unity. Anyone who happened to look at one of his pieces would easily be able to relate to the subject …show more content…
The images of Marilyn Monroe create a feeling of unity throughout the piece, however each image of the star appears to be slightly different and flawed. No two images found throughout the piece are exactly identical. Each image contains somewhat different levels of contrast, causing some of the pictures to look “fuzzy” and distorted. This results in Monroe, an American sex symbol and the epitome of beauty, to appear flawed, a perspective so different from previous art movements where woman where depicted as frail beautiful creatures. In fact, previous artwork depicting women used generic subjects- women who never actually existed. Warhol on the other hand, chose an American Icon. He chose to portray that an American symbol, much like America, was flawed and possessed underlying troubles and issues that needed to be addressed before it was too