Andy Warhol: Factory Films

Andy Warhol’s first experiments in cinema reflect his verve. Inspired by the underground films of Jack Smith, Ron Rice, and Taylor Mead, in 196 Warhol made 16mm works that often tested viewers’ endurance by celebrating ordinary actions: sleeping, kissing, eating. Bordering on surveillance—and mixed with a sense of voyeurism—these early film portraits were shot without sound, using a static camera. As his technical skill improved, Warhol started to emulate Hollywood in his use of cinematic language and by creating his own studio system. He developed a stable of stars from the artists, socialites, and hustlers who hung out at his loft dubbed the Factory. He often placed his actors in front of the camera and let it roll while they improvised on a theme. Complementing the exhibition ANDY WARHOL/SUPERNOVA: Stars, Deaths, and Disasters, 1962 – 1964, these films from the early ‘60s are at times hilarious, inspired, tedious, and audacious. All films are directed by Andy Warhol. Unless otherwise noted, screenings are held in the Lecture Room.