Camouflage (Unique) is a screenprint by Andy Warhol from the artist’s Camouflage series from 1987. Unlike the regular edition of the prints, this Camouflage is printed vertically, with a height of 40 inches and a width of 32 inches.
The Camouflage portfolio of 8 screenprints demonstrates Warhol’s play with the abstract, yet recognizable design in a variety of fluorescent, inorganic colors. Camouflage appealed to Warhol because it held this dual-significance of an abstract form that was familiar to the American population. He also wanted to address America’s continuing military involvement in the Middle East. Therefore, he opted to utilize the camouflage design as a dedication to their efforts in war. However, Warhol added his own Pop Art signature touch by using colors to transform a disguising pattern, into one of high attention.
Today, Camouflage is a common motif in fashion and design, though that wasn’t the case during Warhol’s time. In fact, Warhol’s ventures in camouflage extended directly to the fashion world in collaboration with designer Stephen Sprouse, when the two designed a series of clothing featuring Warhol’s camo design. Their barrier-breaking work paved the way for camouflage of all colors to be flaunted as streetwear today.
CAMOUFLAGE (Unique) BY ANDY WARHOL AS PART OF HIS LARGER BODY OF WORK
Andy Warhol introduced many dualities with his version of the Camouflage. The use of inorganic, synthetic colors paired with the organic shapes and forms in the abstract design presented juxtapositions between identity and disguise. While militants relied on the traditional camouflage pattern to help conceal them, the fashion industry favored Warhol’s camouflage use to help attract attention in the urban setting. This also paralleled Warhol’s lifelong balance between a life of fame he yearned for and the quiet, private life he also wanted to maintain.
