Andy Warhol is arguably the most important American artist of the 20th century. He not only helped defined Pop Art, but had a lasting affect on artists, image making and the power of celebrity in both fine art and popular culture in general.

In 1962, the MoMA hosted a Symposium on Pop Art during which Warhol was attacked for "capitulating" to consumerism. Ironically, throughout the decade Warhol would create images that were both uncommercial if not outright uncomfortable including race riots, car crashes and convicts.  

Throughout the decade Warhol would create some of his most powerful works, images that depicted the leading icons of the day, such as movie stars, but also representations of crime, injustice and death all culled from the media. 

In 1968, Warhol created the Flash Portfolio, a group of 11 screenprints based on appropriated news images related to JFK's assassination. 

It is worth emphasizing that Warhol created the portfolio, including this image of assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, at a moment when abstract art was loosing its dominancy as the bellwether of the avant-garde. Warhol helped revive portraiture.....albeit in a highly subversive manner. 

The 1960's are arguably the period where Warhol arrives at his creative zenith. Today collectors pursue works from this time with fervour. Individual works from the Flash Portfolio rarely come on the market.

Questions about this piece?  or call 1.416.704.1720

Screenprint 

From an edition of 200

USA, 1968

Signed and numbered by the artist verso

21"H 21"W (work)

29"H 29"W (framed)

Framed with plexiglass

Very good condition