Campbell's Soup Can Analysis

Cynthia Ramirez

Professor Guthrie

Fine Arts Appreciation

22 August 2014

Art Critique of Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Can Andy Warhol is regarded one of the leading figures in art and visual movement. One of his most well-known works is the Campbell’s Soup Cans which has become a pop art icon. Also referred to as 32 Campbell’s Soup Cans, this piece was produced in 1962. It consists of thirty-two canvasses rested in a shelf which, in turn, is mounted on the wall. Each canvas measures 20 inches by 16 inches and has a painting of a Campbell soup can. The number of canvass corresponds to the soup variety or flavor offered by Campbell Soup Company at that time. This work of art was created using a printmaking method, or more particularly a screen

In fact, this single piece transformed Andy Warhol into one of the most famous contemporary artists when it was first exhibited in 1962 in Los Angles. The attention placed on this artwork mainly roots from two things: the subject and the visual qualities of the piece. The subject is an interesting point in this art. Unlike previous artworks which employ subjects such as people or nature, Warhol chose an item which is found right in the pantry shelves and kitchens of millions of Americans and transformed it into high art. This is interesting because people are conditioned to see art as a venue for items or ideas that are “beautiful.” Andy Warhol, on the other hand, featured an item which we encounter every day and yet never gave a second look or thought. The choice of subject is but a challenge to the traditional concept of what art and beauty are. In the same way, Warhol’s decision to use soup cans as his muse may come from the emerging pop art movement. True to the objectives of this movement, pop art embraces the mundane and banal commercialism. And Warhol’s work functions as a subversive critique on consumerism as well as a reassertion of the joy and beauty that is innate in such object (Fallon

It was produced using silk screen technique. This in turn created an almost “mass produced” appeal to the piece. Many critics of this painting point out that the piece is cold, sterile, and expressionless However, at closer look, it is evident that Warhol paid a great attention to each canvass. While each canvass seems as if they were simply reproduced mechanically, it is crucial to point that Warhol in fact, sought such technique to systematically recreate imperfection. A closer look at the canvasses will reveal a slight variation and inconsistency. This again is done in order to properly convey his message of banality. Alternately, a closer examination of the piece shows although it was created using mechanical equipment, that the details appear almost handmade. It displays aggressive traits of enlargement, bright colors, and isolation which are known characteristics of pop. This shows how the artist is reasserting his own feelings, emotions, and creativity (Moorhead