Andy Warhol: Myths at the J.B. Speed Art Museum

Andy Warhol, the prince of Pop Art, created a series of 10 iconic figures from popular culture, ranging from Santa Claus to Mickey Mouse to the Wicked Witch of the West. That Myths porfolio of 10 screenprints is one of Warhol’s most sought-after collections. Now the collection has come to the J.B. Speed Art Museum: Andy Warhol: Myths runs through Sept. 30 — and that’s no myth!

Warhol didn’t create Pop Art, but no one’s name is more closely associated with the movement. In 1981, Warhol captured 10 modern icons from the cinema and modern lore that dominated popular culture as powerfully as the gods and goddesses of Greek and Roman myth dominated consciousnesses in their day. Most of the images in Warhol’s Myths series come from old Hollywood films or 1950s television. They portray the alluring mythos of America’s enchanted and powerful past, where villains were unambiguous, superheroes nobly protected the innocent and a plucky Everyman like Mickey Mouse was certain to triumph in the end.

In addition to Santa Claus, Mickey Mouse and The Witch, the other iconic mythical figures in the portfolio are Howdy Doody, Dracula, The Star, Superman, Mammy, The Shadow and Uncle Sam.

Warhol is best known for his ground-breaking exploration of popular culture, such as his Marilyn Monroe prints and his 1964 legendary print, Campbell's Soup Can.

- by Ivonne Rovira, Louisville Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Ivonne Rovira

A graduate of the prestigious Columbia University School of Journalism in New York City, Ivonne Rovira worked as a reporter for the Miami News, The Miami Herald and The Associated Press. She has written articles for The National Catholic Reporter and The Courier-Journal. For more than 15 years, Ivonne wrote and edited articles aimed at middle-school children.