Andy Warhol Volkswagen (F & S II.358) For Sale

Created in 1985 as part of his Ads Series, Andy Warhol pays homage to the bold and brilliant Volkswagen Lemon Car. Each piece within the Ads series explores the relationship between art and advertising, breaking the boundaries of what constitutes as ‘high’ art. Warhol blatantly points towards the extreme commercialisation of America and its consumer culture, poking fun at the way society is drawn to these bright and vibrant advertisements and the power they have over not only just consumer culture, but popular and visual culture. Volkswagen and the other pieces in the portfolio were commissioned and published by art dealer Ronald Feldman, who worked closely with Warhol on many projects in the 1980s.

In this print, the now-iconic silhouette of the Volkswagen (VW) car is rendered in fluorescent green, strikingly contrasted against a royal blue background. Below the car, the advertisement's focal point reads "Lemon," accompanied by text extolling the vehicle’s perfection and flawlessness, creating an ironic tension with the title. The legendary "Lemon" Volkswagen advertisement represents a pivotal moment in late 20th-century American advertising culture. After World War II, Volkswagen faced a significant branding challenge due to its origins under Adolf Hitler's regime. To appeal to the American market, including a substantial demographic of U.S. veterans seeking affordable cars, VW adopted a humorous and self-deprecating advertising approach. By ironically labelling their car as a "Lemon"—a term for a substandard, foreign vehicle—the campaign cleverly redefined public perception and achieved remarkable success. This unconventional and surprising strategy revolutionised the field of marketing.

Similarly, Warhol’s Ads series functions as a meta-commentary on advertising itself, simultaneously promoting Warhol’s art while reflecting on the consumer culture that shapes our visual environment. The series serves as a quintessential Warhol portfolio, showcasing his keen awareness of the intersection between art, commerce, and mass media.

Buy Andy Warhol Volkswagen (F & S II.358)

Andipa Editions, as part of Andipa, have been at the forefront of the Warhol market for over 20 years. To enquire about buying Volkswagen (F & S II.358) by Andy Warhol, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371.

Sell Volkswagen (F & S II.358) Andy Warhol

With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Andy Warhol Volkswagen (F & S II.358) 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 Volkswagen (F & S II.358) print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Andy Warhol original prints for sale.