-
-
Flash (F & S II.35)
‘I’d been thrilled about having Kennedy as president; he was handsome, young, smart-but it didn’t bother me that much that he was dead…What bothered me was the way television and radio were programming everybody to feel so sad. It seemed like no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t get away from the thing.’ Andy Warhol
Warhol explores the gaze of the media within the face of tragedy in his Flash series, published in 1968. The series depicts the media circus aftermath of the assassination of President John F Kennedy in 1963, with the title of the series referring to the ‘flashes’ of violent and catastrophic images that were played on a constant cycle straight into the homes of the American people by the media. This screenprint presents three repeating images of president Kennedy, taken on his campaign trail, sporting his familiar charming smile in a shade of bright red. The use of repetition alludes to the ways images of Kennedy were repeated within the media circus. However, his face is barely noticeable, as it fades into the background of a similar shade of red, perhaps to represent the blood after the assassination. Here, Kennedy appears ghostlike. To the right of the screenprint is a section of a newspaper clipping. Warhol appropriated these images of destruction into Pop Art screenprints, offering a commentary on our relationship with the media, and its dehumanising effects.
This portfolio explores the fascination with death and tragedy in the collective psyche of the American people. Warhol explored this theme in his other portfolios, such as his Marilyn series, which similarly explored the way the late movie star’s image was repeated relentlessly in the media after her death. Arguably, both JFK and Marilyn Monroe became even bigger celebrities after their death. To Warhol, JFK was the perfect muse, due to his status as both a celebrity and a political figure, echoing that of his Mao portfolio.
-
-
Buy or sell Flash (F & S II.35) by Andy Warhol at Andipa Editions
Buy Andy Warhol Flash (F & S II.35)
Andipa Editions, as part of Andipa, have been at the forefront of the Warhol market for over 20 years. To enquire about buying Flash (F & S II.35) by Andy Warhol, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371.
Sell Andy Warhol Flash (F & S II.35) by Andy Warhol
With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Flash (F & S II.35) print. Straight-forward and stress-free, we manage the process on your behalf and help to maximise your return. For a complimentary valuation of your Flash (F & S II.35) print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Andy Warhol original prints for sale.