Department Stores Are Kind of Like Museums

Andy Warhol, Coca-Cola, Campbells, Brillo Pads, and branding.

Andy Warhol ‘Campbell’s Soup Cans’ 1962

“When you think about it, department stores are kind of like museums where images of mass advertising and popular culture that everyone can recognize are a form of art.”

— Andy Warhol

A few weeks back, I visited Andy Warhol’s hometown of Pittsburgh, where his official museum lives. You can tell the pride the city takes in this title by the many brightly painted pops of yellow bridges littering downtown Pittsburgh.

The museum was amazing.

It was loud with color and really encompassed all of Andy Warhol’s life and career — from his mother’s art to the many artists, musicians, and actors whose careers Warhol helped launch.

Andy Warhol’s ‘Coca-Cola’ 1962.

I find that the most interesting aspect of Andy Warhol’s career is how he took advantage of the art of branding.

He will live on forever due to his depiction of everyday objects just as they are.