Andy Warhol's Factory of Truth
08/11/23 • 36 min
5 Listeners
Cautionary Conversation: Andy Warhol’s assistant, Gerard Malanga, is facing a long prison sentence in Italy. He’s forged several Che Guevara portraits and tried to pass them off as genuine Warhols. What happens next is a landmark event in the history of art and authenticity...
Tim Harford is joined by Alice Sherwood, author of Authenticity, to discuss truth and fakery in modern times. Today, authenticity seems to matter more than ever — and yet we’re also constantly assailed by people and products that are not what they seem. What’s going on here? And what’s the attention economy got to do with it?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cautionary Conversation: Andy Warhol’s assistant, Gerard Malanga, is facing a long prison sentence in Italy. He’s forged several Che Guevara portraits and tried to pass them off as genuine Warhols. What happens next is a landmark event in the history of art and authenticity...
Tim Harford is joined by Alice Sherwood, author of Authenticity, to discuss truth and fakery in modern times. Today, authenticity seems to matter more than ever — and yet we’re also constantly assailed by people and products that are not what they seem. What’s going on here? And what’s the attention economy got to do with it?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford - Andy Warhol's Factory of Truth
Transcript Summary
In the episode titled "Andy Warhol's Factory of Truth," the host delves into the captivating story surrounding Andy Warhol's iconic silk screen portrait of Marilyn Monroe, which later became the most expensive artwork of the twentieth century, selling for an astonishing $195 million. The episode also explores Warhol's distinctive artistic process, particularly focusing on his silk screen portrait called Chay, inspired by a photograph of Che Guevara's corpse. Throughout the discussion, the episode sheds light on Warhol's unconventional approach to authenticity in art, emphasizing his embrace of mechanical processes and the outsourcing of certain tasks. It further touches upon the complex relationship between Warhol and his longtime assistant, Gerard Malanga, who played a pivotal role in the production of Warhol's screen prints. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when Malanga, without Warhol's knowledge or authorization, creates screenprints claiming they are genuine Warhols and exhibits them for sale. The tense situation escalates as the possibility of forgery emerges, leading to legal consequences for Malanga. In a surprising twist, Malanga reaches out to Warhol for help, and after some negotiation, Warhol agrees to authenticate the screenprints on the condition that he receives the proceeds from their sale. This episode prompts profound questions about the concept of authenticity in art and the role of the artist as an authorizer. It also draws attention to the evolving art market, where the value and authenticity of artwork are determined, and how artists navigate questions of originality in the era of mass production and attention scarcity. The discussion expands beyond Warhol's story and explores contemporary examples, such as the recent sale of an NFT by the digital artist People for a staggering $70 million. Throughout the episode, the audience is invited to reconsider the paradoxical nature of valuing authenticity in a world filled with imitation through references to the book "Authenticity" by Alice Sherwood. This thought-provoking episode provides an engrossing exploration of Warhol's artistic process, the intricacies of the art market, and the layers of meaning surrounding authenticity in art.
Transcript
Pushkin. Andy Warhole once gave a silk screen portrait of Marilyn Monroe to a skeptical friend. Just tell me in your heart of hearts that you know it isn't art, said his friend. Warhole wasn't offended. Wrap it up in brown paper, put it in the back of a closet, he replied. One day it'll be worth a million dollars. Perhaps he undersold himself. In May twenty twenty two, another of Warhole's Marilyn silk screens, Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, became the
Andy Warhol's Factory of Truth Top Questions Answered
What is the most expensive work of twentieth century art?
Andy Warhol's silk screen portrait of Marilyn Monroe, which sold for $195 million.
What is Andy Warhol's most interesting and definitive work?
His silk screen portrait of Che Guevara, called "Chay."
Who played a significant role in producing many of Warhol's silk screens?
Gerard Malanga, Andy Warhol's assistant.
How is silk screen printing done?
Silk screen printing involves using stencils and pushing paint through them onto canvas or paper.
Did Warhol use his own photographs for his silk screens?
No, Warhol often used photographs taken by others for his silk screen prints.
Did Warhol always personally touch the canvas?
No, Warhol sometimes didn't touch the canvas at all and even had others sign his paintings for him.
Did Rubens have assistance in creating his paintings?
Yes, Rubens also had assistance, and negotiations took place regarding how much of the work he would personally do.
How is the authenticity and value of a painting determined?
The art market determines the authenticity and value of a painting, although mistakes can be made even by experts.
How do Warhol's silk screens challenge traditional notions of authenticity in art?
Warhol's silk screens challenge traditional notions of authenticity by using outsourcing, repetition, and challenging the artist's personal involvement.
What did Warhol and Malanga use screen prints for?
Warhol and Malanga used screen prints as a form of currency, creating numerous prints together.
How did Warhol's assistant, Jerry, face legal trouble?
Jerry ran off authentic-looking screen prints after Warhol's death without explicit permission and faced forgery charges in Italy.
What was Warhol's response to Jerry's legal trouble?
Warhol broke his silence and agreed to authenticate the prints on the condition that he received the proceeds of the sale.
How did Warhol understand art as a brand?
Warhol understood how art can become a brand and was willing to put his name on various products.
How did Warhol challenge traditional notions of art's scarcity and uniqueness?
Warhol preferred ubiquity and repetition in his art, challenging traditional notions of art's scarcity and uniqueness.
What does the case of the art forger Van Megren illustrate?
The case illustrates how people's desires and emotions can influence their perception of authenticity.
What is the paradox regarding authenticity in the modern world?
The pursuit of authenticity is important but is set against a backdrop of an increasingly inauthentic world.
What determines the authenticity of our lives?
The choices we make in paying attention to worthwhile things determine the authenticity of our lives.
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