Created:
Movement:
1972
Pop Art
key Notes:
Cultural Iconography, Pop Art Portraiture
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Dimensions:
448.3 × 346.7 cm (176 1/2 × 136 1/2 in.)
medium:
Acrylic, silkscreen ink, and pencil on linen
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

Andy Warhol's "Mao" (1972)

The painting "Mao" by Andy Warhol, created in 1972, is a significant work that exemplifies Warhol's engagement with political and cultural iconography. Utilizing acrylic, silkscreen ink, and pencil on linen, Warhol transforms the image of Mao Zedong into a pop art icon, reflecting both the ubiquity and the cult of personality surrounding the Chinese leader. This work is part of a series that underscores Warhol's fascination with mass media and the reproduction of images, a central theme in his oeuvre. Warhol, a leading figure in the pop art movement, often explored the intersection of celebrity culture and artistic expression. The "Mao" series marks a period in Warhol's career where he shifted focus from American celebrities to global political figures, thus broadening the scope of his commentary on fame and power. Warhol's innovative use of silkscreen printing allowed for the mass production of art, challenging traditional notions of originality and authorship in the art world.

Description of the work:

Mao by Andy Warhol (1972)

Andy Warhol's "Mao" (1972) employs acrylic, silkscreen ink, and pencil on linen to depict the iconic image of Chinese leader Mao Zedong, reflecting Warhol's fascination with mass media and political figures. The artwork exemplifies Warhol's Pop Art style, characterized by its bold colors and repetitive imagery, and is part of a series that critiques the cult of personality surrounding political leaders.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Mao