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The Philosophy of Andy Warhol (From A to B and Back Again)

by Andy Warhol

The private Andy Warhol talks: about love, sex, food, beauty, fame, work, money, success; about New York and America; and about himself--his childhood in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, good times and bad times in the Big Apple, the explosion of his career in the sixties, and life among celebrities. (Amazon.com)

Themes:

Context. Much of the book and A’s theories and philosophies seem relate back to the context in which they are conceived.

1. Discuss some of the theories and the way that their contexts make them relevant.
   1. McDonald’s is beautiful??
   2. “Free Countries” Idea (p. 146): Changing contexts. A references a lot of big picture ideas and localizes as a part of the everyday experience in order to make them read differently.
   3. Others?

2. What contextual elements are observed outside of these theories and philosophies that set the tone of the book or develop characters?
   1. Chapter 1: B and I
   2. Tape Recorder Wife
   3. Others?

3. What or how much contextual information are we expected to have and/or research in order to fully comprehend/appreciate this book and Warhol’s philosophies? Does it matter?
   1. Art Background (e.g.Warhol, Rauschenberg, Johns)
   2. Factory & “Office Kid” knowledge
   3. 70s Culture Knowledge

4. How does “context” relate to Art, and more specifically, the following kinds of art:
   1. Pop Art
   2. Abstract Expressionism
   3. Conceptual Art

“Make something out of nothing”(Otherwise known as the Nothing theme).

1. What is the significance of this quote, found on page 183, and why would we consider it a theme?
2. Objective vs. Subjective
3. Nothing Special: What is behind the recurring mention of A’s talk show fantasy?

Conflict:

Side 1: It sometimes appears as though A is afraid of the spotlight and being singled out, and wants people not to notice him or see him. He relishes “nothing” and empty space. He cannot let anyone get close to him & is terrified of intimacy in the traditional sense.

Side 2: In actuality, it appears he’s afraid of being “a mirror” needs constant attention. He wants to invent something great to be remembered by. He craves and achieves untraditional forms of intimacy.

Other Discussion Topics:

1. Why A & B?

1. Why does Andy classify so many of his peers into one “B”? What differentiates the B’s from the people whose names are given?
2. What do these things say about his relationship with the rest of the world?

2. Is this chronological? Is it relevant?
3. Art Chapter: Damian. Through an uncomfortable episode and a “cornered” A, a lot of things become clear.
4. Hairdressers.
5. A’s thoughts/fears/indifference regarding SEX.
6. Taxi.