Andy Warhol | Origin of Street Names

Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987), was one of the most successful, influential, and controversial artists of the 20th century - a painter, director, actor, writer, publicist, and the most prominent representative of the pop art movement.

Originally of Rusyn descent from Slovakia, he was born as Andrew Warhola in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Over time, he "adapted" his name to the American language, changing it to Andy Warhol. Many documentary films have been made and numerous books have been written about his artistic endeavors, which include drawings of everyday objects, advertising illustrations, portraits of famous personalities, and films. However, lesser-known are some facts from his private life.

In early childhood, Andy Warhol suffered from a severe neurological disease called Huntington's chorea, which confined him to bed and disrupted his normal upbringing. It is believed that his artistic genius and eccentricity began to develop during that period.

By the 1960s, his popularity and influence were so immense that they nearly cost him his life. Valerie Solanas, a member of his art group "The Factory," attempted to kill him, justifying her actions by claiming he had "too much control over her life." He was one of the first artists who openly embraced his homosexuality while also being deeply religious - a devout Catholic who attended church daily and volunteered at homeless shelters.

Warhol managed to commercialize his art to such an extent that many contemporaries didn't even consider him a true artist. After his death in 1987, his works and assets were mostly sold off, with their value exceeding $20 million.

The Andy Warhol Museum in his hometown of Pittsburgh is the largest American museum dedicated to a single individual, and there is also a museum dedicated to the greatest contemporary artist in Slovakia, in the birthplace of Warhol's parents.

The honor of carrying Andy Warhol's name is bestowed upon a street in Belgrade, located in the municipality of Čukarica.