Andy Warhol: the Prince of Pop

The 1920s in America were known as the "Jazz Age" or the "Roaring Twenties" and it was a time when the country's culture was beginning to change. The era was marked with many technological, scientific, and stylistic advances as well as strong economic prosperity. During this time the television was introduced to the public, penicillin was discovered, and fashion was at the forefront of everyone's mind. It is arguably most famous, though, for the rise of radical political movements and social statements. Perhaps this is why it is so fitting that in the midst of all this, a new life began – a life that eventually was consumed by the culture surrounding its birth, and death.

Andrew Warhola was born into an immigrant family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during the summer of 1928. With English as a second language, his father worked as a coal miner and often had long periods away from home until he died in 1942. Andrew's mother became a housewife and spent a great deal of time at home. Andrew spent much of his childhood and early teenage years sick in bed with chorea, a disease that after three relapses caused his skin to be blotchy and left his body frail.

During his illnesses, Andrew was encouraged by his mother to send fan letters to young movie stars in order to help pass the time. He began collecting autographs from people like Freddie Bartholomew, Truman Capote, Mickey Rooney, and the beautiful blonde Shirley Temple. It was perhaps during this time that he developed an admiration for the Hollywood lifestyle, in which this dream world appealed to the shy, awkward, and pale young boy. This dream had a profound impact on his lifestyle and career later in life. After graduating from high school, Andrew attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology where he studied pictorial design with the intention of becoming a commercial illustrator. He quickly moved to New York City upon completion of his degree and began a new life under his simplified name, Andy Warhol.... [continues]

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