Camouflage
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? The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / DACS, London 2009

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Camouflage 1986

On Tour On tour at UK / HULL / FERENS ART GALLERY

  • Artist Rooms
Camouflage colouring was invented by artists for the military around 1900 so soldiers and their vehicles would blend into their backgrounds and therefore be more difficult to spot by the enemy. Warhol began to use camouflage designs for his paintings in 1986. Their all-over, repeating patterns appealed to his interest in abstract expressionist painting. By varying the colours he used, such as bright yellows, reds, pinks, purples and blues, Warhol was able to remove much of the military symbolism of the pattern, yet still retain the idea of hiding. Warhol was known for hiding his true self - he would give short, often one-word answers in interviews and wore a series of wigs and make-up. This was due to feelings of personal insecurities, especially regarding his appearance.

Glossary Open

Abstract Expressionism

Term applied to a loose grouping of New York-based artists in the mid-20th century including Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Mark Rothko. Internal feelings were expressed by the physical action of producing the art works.

Symbolism

The representation of subjects or ideas by use of a device or motif to create underlying meaning. A literary and artistic movement that originated in France and spread through much of Europe in the late 19th century. There was no consistent style but rather an appeal to the idea of the artist as mystic or visionary and the desire to express a world beyond superficial appearances.

Abstract Expressionism , Symbolism

Details

  • Acc. No. AR00611
  • Medium Acrylic and silkscreen on canvas
  • Size Four parts
  • Credit ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund 2008

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