Warhol's True Nature Unveiled: An Unprecedented Glimpse into the Artist's Life at Newlands House Gallery's Exhibition
Rewriting Warhol's World:
A Peek Behind the Pop Art Icon's Curtain
It's time to shed light on the hidden depths of the enigmatic pop artist, Andy Warhol, as a new exhibition graces the halls of the Newlands House Gallery in Petworth, West Sussex. Titled "Andy Warhol: My True Story," this comprehensive exhibition, meticulously curated by Jean Wainwright, offers a fresh perspective on the many facets of Andy Warhol - delving deep into the artist's life, beyond his public persona.
One of the most fascinating revelations lies in Warhol's close relationship with his mother, Julia Warhola. This emotional bond is beautifully demonstrated through a diverse range of artworks and photographs, including a breathtaking image of Warhol, captured by Bob Adelman, as he pours water out of his boots after a pool prank by his muse, Edie Sedgwick.
Perhaps one of the most endearing aspects of the exhibition is the spotlight it shines on Warhol's cherished relationship with his mother. Julia Warhola, an accomplished calligrapher, often embellished Warhol's illustrations, most notably in the whimsical children's book, "25 Cats Name Sam and One Blue Pussy." This charming tome, filled with feline lithographs, served as a creative goldmine for Warhol, inspired by his mother's pet cats who resided with them in their New York apartment, a refuge from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they had fled after Warhol's father's passing.
Warhola—like her husband—hailed from what is now Slovakia. While she always spoke Rusyn, an East Slavic language akin to Ukrainian, to her children, she opted for broken English when featured in Warhol's 1966 film, "The George Hamilton Story (Mrs. Warhol)." Ironically, this decision initially caused discomfort among the Warhol family, but it might have ignited a spark in Warhol, leading him to recognize the creative potential of his mother's unique speech style, ultimately casting her in "The George Hamilton Story."
The 'very sweet old lady' made her film debut as Warhol's mother, and Susan Pile, a close friend of the artist, served as both a confidant and the sound technician for the film. Warhol continued to film his mother, capturing tender moments on camera, yet peppered with moments of playful complaint, such as expressed displeasure over a subpar hairdo.
Tragedy struck when Julia Warhola succumbed to a stroke in 1972. Warhol sent her back to Pennsylvania due to his inability to care for her properly. Warhol grappled with guilt in the aftermath of this decision and kept his mother's passing a secret for a considerable length of time, mourning in solitude.
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Carla PassinoAn Italian expat, Carla finds solace in the misty English weather, eschewing the sun-soaked shores of her homeland. Appointed as our platform's Arts & Antiques editor in 2023, she brings a wealth of expertise to the table, having dabbled in heritage, conservation, and property reporting as a freelancer. Her unwavering taste in Puccini and penchant for bygone eras set her apart, as she immerses herself in the mysteries of various centuries, forever preserved in time.
movies-and-tv serves as a creative platform for Andy Warhol, with his mother, Julia Warhola, making her film debut in Warhol's 1966 film "The George Hamilton Story (Mrs. Warhol)". Entertainment also played a significant role in showcasing Julia's unique speech style, igniting Warhol's creative potential.
