Who is She?: Andy Warhol and the Muse Reimagined

About the Exhibition

What’s in a muse? 

Who is She?: Andy Warhol and the Muse Reimagined sheds light on the often overlooked relationship between an artist and their muse. Andy Warhol, commonly regarded as one of the greatest artists of his time, greatly valued and recognized the beauty, strength, and poise of femininity, often turning to the women around him as inspirations for his work. For Warhol, the female muse was not just a celebrity or portrait sitter, but an active participant in transforming his public image from commercial illustrator-for-hire to internationally recognized artist.  

Originating from the ancient Greek goddesses of literature, science, and the arts, a muse is defined as “the presiding spirit or force behind any person or creative act” (OED, “muse,” n^1, 2c.). From the Greek goddess Calliope to the modern woman, including women such as Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, and inspiration to Yves Saint Laurent, Paloma Picasso, the muse is not a static figure—she captivates and transforms the artistic process through her own physical dialogue. Yet to the casual viewer, all that remains is a snapshot of the whole woman. Through Warhol’s Polaroids and screenprints, this exhibition invites you to dive deeper into the dialogue between artists, their muses, and the relationship of worldviews projected in portraiture.  

Who is She?: Andy Warhol and the Muse Reimagined is organized by the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University and curated by Nat Swartz and Morgan Braswell, curatorial research assistants.