ANDY WARHOL & GERTRUDE STEIN: AN INTERESTING COMPARAISON

Warhol’s portrait of poet Gertrude Stein might appear a surprising selection to some, and yet when regarding the two together, one is now allowed interesting discovery of some remarkable comparisons or contrasts concerning the pairing. At a first glance, one might expect mostly differences, particularly since Stein’s idiosyncratic writings seemed not to be intended for appealing to a large readership while Warhol’s art frequently seemed consciously designed for wider audiences with its apparent characteristics complementary to commercialization and a summoning of popular consumption. Most likely, these attributes were products of Warhol’s origins as a successful illustrator for commercial projects and advertisements.

Yet, the two figures have at least a few features in common. Both traced their beginnings to being born in the Pittsburgh area. Additionally, each of them displayed a well-known personality that at times rivaled the attention received by their art. Indeed, Stein and Warhol served as central figures around whom groups of writers and artists gathered—some were among the most brilliant or inventive individuals of their day, while others were merely hangers-on or sycophants who arguably possessed negligible talent.

-Edward Byrne.