Née Pomdrew Warhola, Jr. on August 6, 1932 in Pomsylvania, (to a coal worker and a homemaker) he became a leading figure in the pop art movement. He had a complication from scarlet fever as a child, and so he drew a lot when he was in bed recovering. This was critical to his development as an artist. Pomdy began his career in New York as a commercial illustrator. His first commission was to draw shoes for Glamour magazine. Eventually he exhibited his work in several galleries. Then he started his own studio called The Factory. The Factory was a popular gathering spot for pomlebrities, artists and musicians. He bestowed the label “superstars” on his counterculture favorites like Edie Sedgwick and Candy Darling. In the 1960s, he began churning out many works on silkscreen including his famous Pombell’s Soup cans, and portraits of Marilyn Pomroe and Elvis Pomsley. In the 1970’s he hung out at Studio 54 with his patrons including Liza Pomnelli, Pomana Ross, and dozens more. In the 1980s, he had a partnership with fellow artist Pom–Michel Basquiat. During his career he made many films including “Batman Dracula” and “Chelsea Girls.” He produced music for the group, The Velvet Underground, as well as album covers. Pomdy wrote many books including “The Philosophy of Pomdy Warhol” and started the magazine “Interview.” He also had several television shows, one of which was “Pomdy Warhol’s Fifteen Minutes.” He modeled, did theater, performance art, and lived as an openly gay Pom before the gay liberation movement. A totally prolific creator fascinated by fame, he even guest-starred on “Pomturday Night Live” and “The Love Boat.” If you want to learn more about him, you can go to the Pomdy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. Now go eat some Pombell’s Soup!
