Andy Warhol, born in 1928 in Pittsburgh to Slovakian immigrant parents, was a visual artist, film producer, and director. He is considered one of the most significant American modern artists and is viewed as a prominent artistic pioneer in the pop art movement. After studying pictorial design at Carnegie Institute of Technology, Warhol moved to New York City, where he quickly became a successful commercial illustrator.

Drawing inspiration from his experience as a commercial illustrator, Warhol’s works often incorporate elements found in advertising, pop culture, and mass media while exploring the connection between consumerist aesthetics and artistic expression. Many of his works feature contemporary American icons, including Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, and Elvis Presley. Additionally, Warhol featured notorious imagery from American consumerism, politics, and culture, such as Coca-Cola bottles, Campbell’s Soup cans, and Brillo soap boxes. As a pop artist, Warhol employed techniques from mass production, including silkscreen printing. His artworks challenged established notions of fine art and allowed art to be more accessible to a larger portion of society.

Warhol’s strong influence in the pop art movement and broader culture was undeniable. Later, he founded The Factory, his studio in New York, which became a cultural hub for artists, musicians, and celebrities. Despite facing criticism for his commercial approach and perceived superficiality, Warhol's legacy endures as a pioneer who redefined the art world. He continued to create and innovate until his death on February 22, 1987, leaving behind a profound impact on modern art and culture.