This past Monday, February 22nd marked the 29th anniversary of Andy Warhol’s death. In 1987, Warhol suffered from post-operative cardiac arrhythmia during recovery from a routine gallbladder surgery. Although Warhol had dangerously delayed seeking medical attention for the pain in his gallbladder, it was believed that his death was a consequence of foul play on the part of New York Hospital. His family sued the hospital for malpractice, and the case was settled out of court.
Warhol was buried at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in the artist’s hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In true Warhol fashion, the artist was buried wearing his famous platinum wig and sunglasses. Today, fans and admirers from around the world visit his gravesite, leaving behind pop-culture tributes like soup cans and Coke bottles that nod to his most famous works. And for those who can’t make the journey in person, a webcam–Andy Warhol Figment Cam–fixed on his grave allows virtual visitors to pay their respects 24 hours a day.
Dictated by his will, Warhol’s vast estate was collected to establish a foundation, called the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Its mission is to foster the advancement of the visual arts by promoting cultural organizations that support artists and art making.
Although Warhol’s death was untimely, his memory and legacy continues to thrive. His influence on the art world is immeasurable, and the span of this popularity knows no boundaries. His work has forever changed how society defines art as a visual language. Warhol’s work is just as relevant today was it was 29 years ago. This very fact is what makes him one of the world’s greatest artists!