Publisher: Abrams ComicArts
Release Date: October 4, 2016
Price: $24.95
Creator(s): Nick Bertozzi (writer); Pierce Hargan (artist)
Format: 164 pgs., Limited-Color, 6.5"x9.5", Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-4197-1875-5
Age Rating: N/A
ICv2 Rating: 4 Stars out of 5
This book is a fascinating look at the life and career of Andy Warhol, but the format used is occasionally frustrating. Too often, we see what Warhol did, but the reader comes away without the slightest idea why the actions were taken. Because of that, he often comes across as arbitrary, obnoxious and self-centered. Even if that’s true, it would be nice to have a little more insight into his thoughts. As it is, we witness him "becoming Andy Warhol" in ways that we cannot understand from what is in this book.
Focusing on a roughly two-year period of Warhol’s life, 1962-1964, the book shows the reader the transition from professional illustrator and struggling fine artist into the pop culture icon he became. Hargan’s cartoony art makes no attempt to duplicate Warhol’s style, but it manages to convey some of the more outrageous pieces quite well, including the piece that was almost part of the New York World’s Fair.
The parts of Warhol’s life focusing on his outrageous films makes this suitable for an adult audience, but provides insights that would not be a part of a study of his art alone. This book belongs in the hands of adults interested in the development of Pop Art, as well as fans of Warhol and that movement, but the parts having to do with gallery culture and the economics of the art world will also be of interest.
--Nick Smith: Library Technician, Community Services, for the Pasadena Public Library in California.
