Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop

Last year I visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Part of the trip was to go to Pittsburgh and see the Andy Warhol museum. We never made it and my boyfriend was very disappointed as he is a big Warhol fan. 

This summer all we had to do was drive about 40 minutes to the College of Dupage at the McAninch Arts Center to experience the Bank of America Collection Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop. And what an experience it was. There were 94 works from soup cans to flowers, over 150 photos, interactive silver clouds, a pop art print factory for kids (although I have to say we had a great time making our own pictures), concessions and a great gift shop. 

The 11,000 sq. ft of exhibition space was so perfectly utilized. Andy Warhol was one of the more fascinating people in art and life. He embodied everything that was New York especially at a time when the New York social scene was so exciting. 

As you go through the exhibit from room to room, you learn about Andy’s life, from his beginning roots to how he became one of the most celebrated artists of all time. 

A few parts of the exhibit really stood out for me. First and foremost was how much I learned about his life. The recreation of Studio 54 made you feel as if you were right there hobnobbing with all the celebs and socialites. The magazine he started “Interview” had just about every famous person on the cover. In addition he did the famous Sticky Fingers cover of the Rolling Stones album and of course the Velvet Underground album. While we are all familiar with much of his art work and famous quotes (about 15 minutes of fame) his story is much more extensive and interesting. 

At the end of the exhibit was a wonderful concession stand where we had, what else but tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. And we walked out to the patio to enjoy the beautiful day and our wonderful meal to a recreation of Central Park complete with street lamps and a skyline. For two hours I was transported to the world of Andy Warhol and the legacy he left behind for generations to enjoy. And in the end I didn’t have to go to Pittsburgh to see his works (although that is still on our bucket list). If you like me were lucky enough to see this exhibit while kudos to you. If not take a drive out east and enjoy the Warhol museum and the sights along the way especially this time of the year with the beautiful fall foliage. 

The exhibit runs through September 10 

WARHOL2023.org
630-942-4000

Reviewed by Gayle Kirshenbaum