© The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Licensed by Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Happy Birthday, Andy! Today marks what would have been 98 years of Interview‘s renowned founder. To celebrate, one of Warhol’s closest friends and muse, Diane von Furstenberg, wrote him a birthday note reminiscing on the fateful night these Polaroids were captured and how they went on to become some of the most well-known works in Warhol’s oeuvre. The following letter provides a snapshot of the artist at work, as well as a taste of the bustling social scene of ’70s New York City. More of Warhol’s Polaroids are currently on display as part of the Andy Warhol Family Album exhibition at The Whitney Museum, running now through October 19. —BRENDAN KENNEDY
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Dear Andy,
Do you remember the day you took those Polaroids? It was fall 1973 I think…I was having a party at my home on Park Avenue.
Forever, Fred Hughes had insisted that you did my portrait, and late that night we both decided the moment had come. The problem was you needed a white wall for me to pose in front of and god knows there were no white walls to be found in my home! So we went to the kitchen and found a white corner.
The wall was very narrow so I lifted my arm and rested on it for the pose. It only took a few minutes to do it but months passed by before I came to the factory to look at it. I was terrified to see it but when I saw it I loved it! You had made 4 of them in 4 different colors…I bought two and you gave me one as a present. You painted me again in the ’80s, but those early ones are still my favorites.
Do I recognize that girl when I look at the paintings now?
Yes, yes, yes I am still the same person who arrived at NY at 22 years old and who like you invented the person we wanted to be.
NY City had allowed us to be US. You a great artist…me a woman who wrapped millions of women in a printed jersey flag of confidence!
Next year we will celebrate your 100th birthday! I want to be the first one to wish you a happy happy birthday!
Continue to live forever and ever and INSPIRE. Happy birthday, Andy.
Love,
Diane.
© The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Licensed by Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
