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TURN ON THE SOUP: Perhaps the most recognized painting by Andy Warhol, the giant can of tomato soup will join other works from the famous artist.

Condensed artist: just add water

By: Sammi Fuchs

Posted: 4/24/09

What do Campbell's soup and Marilyn Monroe have in common? Aside from the fact that Monroe may have indulged in some Campbell's soup, they have both been featured in the artwork of Andy Warhol. This summer marks the beginning of an Andy Warhol exhibit in Rollins' own Cornell Fine Arts Museum. While these more well-known pieces of art will not be included, Warhol fans will be excited to see some of Warhol's other fresh and interesting pieces on campus.

According to a Rollins press release made by Sandy Todd, Andy Warhol: Personalities will be debuting selections of the 150 black and white Polaroids that Rollins has acquired from the Photographic Legacy Program of the Andy Warhol Foundation. These Polaroids feature 1980s socialites and celebrities. Some of the subjects include fashion designer and entrepreneur Carolina Herrera, socialite and Sephora spokeswoman Pia Miller Getty, and Cars frontman and producer Ric Ocasek. Todd explains, "These photographs served as a kind of 'sketchbook,'" meaning that these photographs served as "a quick way to record source material for future use." The collection also functions to "document his diverse circle of acquaintances."

CFAM's website provides this background on Warhol: "Andy Warhol (1928-1987) figured prominently in the Pop Art movement of the 1960s, which saw a shift away from traditional distinctions between fine art and popular culture. His renown as a painter, printmaker, and filmmaker, however, was often overshadowed by his 'celebrity lifestyle.' The Polaroids on display document his diverse social circle as well as his creative process."

"It will be cool to see a different side of Andy Warhol and a different side of Hollywood stars through a Hollywood perspective," notes Studio Art major Senny Luu (class of 2012). Luu further explains that the exhibit will be refreshing because it is atypical to see photographs of celebrities as done by friends or contemporaries as opposed to paparazzi and the media.

Even non-Studio Art majors are anticipating Warhol: Personalities. "I'm really excited to see the Warhol: Personalities exhibit. I've always been a fan of Warhol and I thought that I would have to venture to a major museum in a major city to see his work. The fact that Rollins was able to acquire the original work of such an iconic artist really speaks volumes about the art program. I can't wait to take my friends and family to see the exhibit," says Ellease Bender (class of 2012).

Hopefully the exhibit will serve not only as a source of entertainment, but as a source of inspiration for not only Studio Art majors, but non-majors too. The acquisition of this exhibit is an incredible opportunity for students to conveniently observe Warhol's art as well as to allow Warhol's style, technique, and subjects to permeate all aspects of their creative lives.

The Warhol exhibit will be shown alongside the Faculty Biennial, the Senior Showcase, and Portrait of a Lady. The exhibition will open on May 15th and will continue to be on view through January 3, 2010.