Over the past few decades, Pittsburgh has undergone a transformation from the center of the steel industry into one of the leading arts and culture cities of the Northeast. This has led to the construction of many museums and fine art galleries. In 1994, during the early days of the city’s cultural revolution, the Andy Warhol Museum was erected on the North Shore. Our Pittsburgh adoption agents think this museum is a must-see for any art enthusiast living in or traveling through Pittsburgh. Here are some of the current exhibitions and events going on at this world-class museum honoring one of America’s most iconic artists:
The Warhol’s Collection
Obviously, the museum’s crown jewel is the five-floor permanent exhibition dedicated to its namesake. The Warhol in Pittsburgh holds the largest collection of Andy Warhol art and archives on earth. This massive exhibit covers Warhol’s entire career, from his early work in the 1940s until his death in 1987. His works are also found in the “deep-dive collection” exhibitions of the museum. The museum also has a permanent film and video gallery on the fourth floor, where you can view individual Warhol films and videos.
Devan Shimoyama: Cry, Baby
This temporary exhibition began running in October and will continue until March 17, 2019. Philadelphia-born painter and Carnegie Mellon professor Devan Shimoyama uses figurative painting and self-portraits to depict the complicated nature of African-American childhood and masculinity. This is the first museum solo exhibition for the artist, and includes various paintings, photography, and sculpture, along with a selection of new works that will be on public display for the first time.
Warhol and the Amiga
Warhol and the Amiga is an ongoing project which explores Warhol’s work with the Amiga 1000, a home computer made by Commodore International. Warhol was given one of these early computers in the summer of 1985 and agreed to become a brand ambassador. During the product’s launch, Warhol performed on stage with Blondie’s Debbie Harry, using the computer’s Propaint program to create a digital portrait of Harry.
Warhol would go on to use the Commodore to create various other digital drawings, including a Campbell’s soup can, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, and a portrait of flowers.
At this exhibition, visitors have the opportunity to interact with Warhol’s digital drawings through an interactive model made by The Warhol in collaboration with the design studio Iontank.
Youth Open Studio
Every Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., The Warhol holds a Youth Open Studio. This project is a collaboration between The Andy Warhol Museum and Artists Image Resource (AIR). During these studios, teen aspiring artists can learn how to make photographic silkscreens, experiment with new art tools and methods, and work on their own projects in a relaxed and encouraging environment.
