Why is Andy Warhol my hero?

I had the good fortune to meet Andy Warhol three times. Twice at art openings and once at a late nightclub. I was only a teenager but was already taken with his work. I remember seeing prints he did of Joseph Beuys, the German conceptual artist, at Pace Gallery. Coincidentally I ran into Warhol later that night at a club. I had to tell him how taken I was with his latest prints. In true Warholian fashion he responded, "that's nice".

His style, persona and worldly presence left an indelible mark on me. Twenty years after his death, he remains an awesome force in the art world. That will continue for a long time.

What were his greatest achievements?

Warhol single-handedly changed our idea of imagery.  Initially grouped with other pop artists like Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg and James Rosenquist, Warhol set himself apart as the premier pop artist. He is the logical continuation of Walter Benjamin's 19th century idea of image reproduction.

Although many people have the misconception his paintings are the same, a closer look will reveal each painting was unique. Take a look at the Jackie Kennedy series. Not one Jackie painting is exactly like the other. These subtle differences show a preoccupation with individuality. I find his silkscreen on canvas to be beautiful and personal. Most of society views Warhol as an impersonal reproduction machine.  Not true.

Andy Warhol