Andy Warhol 1980s

In the 1980s, Andy Warhol inspired and formed bonds with number of prolific young artists, perhaps most notably Jean-Michael Basquiat. The two collaborated extensively despite their contrasting styles, creating joint paintings that reflected both Warhol’s distinct pop art technique and Basquiat’s raw and gestural approach. Relationships like these allowed Warhol to experience a re-emergence of financial success and publicity, though his work often brought controversy and harsh criticism.

Many of Andy Warhol’s 1980s prints are the product of the massive clientele he garnered for commissioned portraits, with over fifty clients a year at $25,000 per piece. His commissions grew into a lucrative business that sustained his other endeavors. He also developed an interest in television and hosted two programs, Andy Warhol’s T.V. and Andy Warhol’s Fifteen Minutes, for MTV.

Warhol’s 1980s were defined by intense self-doubt and uncertainty. He received harsh criticism for acting “commercially minded” and superficial, for focusing too much on the business ends of art. His exhibition featuring portraits of “famous Jews” at the Jewish Museum in New York had been torn apart by critics for its ingenuity; they accused Warhol of exploiting his subjects without showing the slightest interest in Judaism or Jews. It had been a blatant commercialized effort, as the artist writes in his diary, “they’re going to sell.” Now, however, Warhol’s work in the 1980s is often regarded as his most genius, with many writers and critics calling it “the greatest mirror of our times.”

Warhol passed away in Manhattan at 6:32 AM on February 22nd, 1987, at 58 years old. He died in his sleep due to complications following an operation. As per his desire, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts was established after his death.