Andy Warhol (born Andrew Warhola Jr.; August 6, 1928 – February 22, 1987) was an American visual artist, film director, and producer, widely regarded as a leading figure in the Pop Art movement and one of the most important American artists of the second half of the 20th century

. Warhol's work explored the relationship between artistic expression, advertising, and celebrity culture, flourishing in the 1960s. He worked across various media including painting, sculpture, photography, and filmmaking. Some of his most famous works include the silkscreen paintings Campbell's Soup Cans (1962) and Marilyn Diptych (1962), as well as experimental films like Chelsea Girls (1966)

. Born and raised in Pittsburgh to Rusyn immigrant parents, Warhol initially had a successful career as a commercial illustrator in the 1950s before gaining recognition as a controversial and influential artist in the 1960s. His New York studio, The Factory, became a hub for artists, celebrities, and cultural figures. Warhol also managed the experimental rock band The Velvet Underground and is credited with popularizing the phrase "15 minutes of fame"

. He expressed his queer identity through his art during a time when homosexuality was widely suppressed in the United States. Warhol's work and persona challenged traditional boundaries between high art and popular culture, making him a pivotal figure in modern art history

. He died in New York City in 1987