Andy WARHOL - Brooklyn Bridge

Warhol’s Brooklyn Bridge multi color screenprint demonstrates the color block technique as well as multi-layer runs of the subject to create a three dimensional aesthetic. Warhol divides the piece in half to create two angles of the bridge, which keeps the eye engaged all throughout the work and veers away from a traditional depiction of a monument in his style of Pop Art. His use of bold colors such as red, blue, green and black for shadowing create a harmony and a depth within the print. Warhol used a photo based printing technique to create this piece, where a photo taken of the subject is exposed in a darkroom to the screen itself. Similar to darkroom photography, the image is then exposed onto the screen print in a way that the artist is able to print in as many runs as necessary. This also allows the artist to change the color of ink in which the next layer will be printed on the same piece. This iconic work was created to celebrate the Brooklyn Bridge’s 100th Anniversary as Warhol was commissioned by the Brooklyn Centennial Commission to commemorate the bridge’s centennial. Warhol’s powerful image simulates the opposing viewpoints by dividing the picture plane into a top and bottom half, which creates two landscape compositions in one piece. Warhol’s depiction of the bridge gives a playful humor to the celebration of the structure in his distinct style and was successful in that Warhol’s image served as the official artwork for the citywide event.