Speaker dissects Warhol’s ‘Perfect Body’
Everyone knows that Andy Warhol sported a white fright wig in some of his self-portraits, but what motivated him to do it is more complicated than one might imagine. The exhibition “Andy Warhol: My Perfect Body” at The Andy Warhol Museum gives new insight into the factors that formed his self-image and the way he subsequently explored the human body.
On Friday, James Elkins will discuss Warhol within the philosophy of medicine. For example, he will compare ways that skin has been conceptualized in philosophy, medicine and art. A Q&A will follow with Jessica Beck, museum associate curator of art and “Perfect Body” curator.
Mr. Elkins is chair of the department of art history, theory and criticism at the School of the Art
Institute of Chicago, and chair of the department of art history at University College Cork in Ireland. But he’s not just a theorist, Ms. Beck said.
“What he’s going to talk about has never been published,” she said. “He’s really interested in the spaces that haven’t been talked about in Warhol’s practice, and that’s what the show is about, too.”
“A lot of the exhibition is about internal and external spaces. Warhol had a public self and a very private self and it was rare when anyone got close to the very private Warhol.”
Ms. Beck cited a photograph in the exhibition of “Andy Warhol With Face in Hands” taken in 1957-58 by Edward Wallowitch. It appears to have been shot in an unguarded, self-reflective or even despairing moment. But the same pose turns up in later images.
“Even when you think you’re getting a vulnerable image of him, it’s almost like that vulnerable image has been staged,” Ms. Beck said.
The lecture is the seventh in a series of programs complementing “Perfect Body” that included three by art world notables and four community-based events such as the Sip and Sketch drawing classes. Ms. Beck said turnout has been “really strong” for all of them.
The 7 p.m. event is free, but seating is limited and the museum asks attendees to register at www.warhol.org.
The exhibition continues through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today through Sunday and until 10 p.m. Friday. Admission is $20; students and children ages 3-18, $10; half-price 5-10 p.m. Friday. Info: 412-237-8300.