Andy Warhol and Friends

In 1965, Steve Schapiro commenced a photographic project for LIFE magazine, capturing the enigmatic Andy Warhol, who was solidifying his role as a prominent figure in Pop art, drawing creative energy from everyday life and commercial icons. Known for his mysterious persona, complete with sunglasses and a blond wig, Warhol understood that rising to celebrity status required a visual record of one's journey. Schapiro, equally driven and diligent, maintained a quiet presence, which made him the ideal observer of Warhol's evolution from an underground artist in New York to a cultural icon of the 20th century. Interestingly, LIFE never ran the story, and many of Schapiro's photos are only now being revealed, having been tucked away within his archives.During the span of 1965 to 1966, Schapiro diligently photographed Warhol and his circle of 'superstars,' such as Edie Sedgwick and Nico, at various venues, from art gallery events and underground movie shoots like "Camp" to the creation of silkscreen prints at the Factory, and while strolling through New York's vibrant streets. Schapiro also recorded the spectacle of Warhol's first major museum retrospective at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, a night that saw thousands of eager fans and marked the birth of the cultural phenomenon known as "Andymania." The Warhol trail culminated in Los Angeles, where Andy showcased his Silver Clouds at the Ferus Gallery, resided at the scenic Castle, and filmed a performance featuring the iconic Velvet Underground.This collection comprises over 120 photographs by Schapiro, interwoven with plates of original Warhol pieces from that era, such as "Before and After, 4, 1962," "Colored Campbell's Soup Can, 1965," "S&H Green Stamps, 1965," and many others. Additionally, the publication includes an interview with Schapiro, who passed away in early 2022, along with essays and detailed captions by Warhol's biographer, Blake Gopnik. "Andy Warhol and Friends 1965-1966" offers an insightful portrayal of a pioneering artist during a pivotal time in postwar American art and culture.