In conclusion to the Hamilton College Emerson Art Gallery exhibition, "1968: You Say You Want a Revolution," Ultra Violet, a visual artist, singer, actress and protégé of Andy Warhol, spoke at the college on February 11. Discussing Warhol's art, his impact, and her own personal relationship with him in the 1960s, Ultra Violet presented a Warhol video, as well as Warhol art to an introspective crowd in Wellin Hall. She encouraged audience members to interrupt and contradict her as she spoke, as she wanted an interactive audience and not a boring monologue.
Ultra Violet, the self-proclaimed "surrealist, socialist and superstar" began with a 12 minute silent film created by Warhol. The film depicted four people, including Ultra Violet and avant-garde singer and model Nico, primarily focusing on the human face. "It is pretty exhausting watching those films," Ultra Violet commented following the presentation. She was instructed by Warhol to "go for nothing:" she did just this in her 3 minute clip as she did not move and barely blinked during the filming.
As a close acquaintance to Warhol, Ultra Violet was able to take part in his artistic creations, as well frequent his famous "factory." Warhol himself seemed to stumble upon art, as he initially wanted to be a tap dancer. As art had "no criteria," Warhol opted for this career path, according to Ultra Violet.
Quickly moving into the presentation portion of the lecture, Ultra Violet displayed slides of Warhol's work while discussing his profound effect on 20th century art. "There were two lions who monopolized 20th century art: the first… Picasso…the second…Warhol," she said. Warhol, the "titan" who dominated contemporary art in the latter half of the 20th century, did not merely symbolize capitalism, money and decadence, she explained; although he did cash in on the opportunity, Warhol's late artwork depicted themes of Christianity, Ultra Violet explained.
Projected slides of Warhol's famous work, including his pop art of Brillo boxes and Campbell's Soup Cans, as well as his portraits and his death and disaster paintings, captured the audience, as Ultra Violet described Warhol's motivations for creating such art. Although Warhol's pop art is perhaps the most recognized today, Warhol's artistic focus may have been his death and disaster paintings. Warhol was, according to Ultra Violet, preoccupied by death, and wanted "every nightmare" to collide in the mind of Americans in his death and disaster art series. "American culture attempts to deny death," Ultra Violet said; it may have been Warhol's preoccupation with American culture that led to his own fixation. Regardless, this art transformed the art of the 20th century.
To end her presentation, Ultra Violet displayed Warhol's later work, which included paintings and visual art incorporating Christian themes. She also showed how ancient practices of reproduction and classical art techniques influenced Warhol's work by showing ancient art and Warhol's work side by side.
Concluding that Warhol's work, to this day, remains "puzzling,"
Ultra Violet offered little explanation as to why Warhol did what he
did. "He was his own biggest idol," Ultra Violet explained to the
audience. "Who is Warhol?" she asked. As he hid behind dark sunglasses
and wigs for the majority of his life, Ultra Violet could provide
no clear answer. However, his mystique continues to intrigue people
nearly 15 years after his death, and his artistic legacy continues
today.
A brief question and answer sessionand a book signing followed the presentation.
www.ultravioletweb.com
The Doris M. and Ralph E. Hansmann Lecture Series fund was established in 1993 by William Golden, a friend of Hamilton College, in honor of Ralph E. '40 and Doris M. Hansmann on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Lectures are supported in a number of fields and are designated on a three-year rotating basis.
-- by Emily Lemanczyk '05
