Andy Warhol's values and judgments were clearly influenced by the events and pop icons of his time. He was an American artist best known for his images of common objects or famous people. He often worked in series, variously treating themes that some people have considered a catalog of the preoccupations of the time. His "pop" art style made him a leading figure of the pop art movement in the 1960's. The curators of the Whitney Museum value Warhol's contributions to American art and have some of his famous works on display in the Museum. The Whitney succeeds in portraying the "American Legacy" by including Warhol's work in their exhibition and Warhol succeeds in painting the image of American culture during the 1960's.
In Elvis 2 Times(1963), Warhol's choice of Elvis as a subject displays his intrigue for American icons but more importantly personifies the parallel relationship he shared with Elvis. The story of Elvis--who thanks to his music achieved immense fame and elicited hysterical adoration on the part of young people all over the world--is somewhat reminiscent of the artist's own story. However, the other side of the coin was Elvis's constant battles with depression, drugs and alcohol in which Warhol also shared. Elvis has left behind a legacy. His music and its impact has stood the test of time and continues to leave its mark with every passing generation. The same can be said of Andy Warhol's art, which illustrates the iconography apparent in American culture and continues to be appreciated today.
Warhol's subject matter also included disasters, such as newspaper images of death and destruction. His most notable piece being the Nine Jackies (1964). Like most Americans, Warhol was profoundly moved by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, on November 22, 1963. One of the consequences of this tragedy was Jacqueline Kennedy's transformation into a widow. Her image, during this time, was reproduced over and over in papers and television throughout the world.
