Andy Warhol’s dichotomy of authority and leadership is most evident in his subject matter. While we can read into the contexts of the iconic character, the step away from politics is evident through the dis-arming of this portrait through the mechanical means of production.
Andy Warhol’ Mao is based on the official portrait of the Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong (1893-1976), that was illustrated on the cover of the widely circulated 1966 publication Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong, also known as the Little Red Book. Party members were strongly encouraged to carry a copy with them as it contained the foundations of Maoist ideology.
Image:
Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987)
Mao (FSII. 90), 1972, (73/250)
Screenprint on Becket High White paper
36 x 36 in
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