Andy Warhol - Mick Jagger (FS II.138)

Original Mick Jagger Print by Andy Warhol

Mick Jagger 138 is a screenprint by Andy Warhol from the artist’s Mick Jagger portfolio (1975). A plethora of bands pioneered a wave of cultural liberation during the 1970’s, making the decade a golden age for rock and roll. Formed in 1962, The Rolling Stones were a sexier, wilder act than the Beatles, and Mick Jagger garnered attention for his lewd dance moves and enigmatic stage persona. Warhol had always viewed rock and roll as a transformative force, and in the early sixties his Elvis paintings explored the power that its protagonists could have on popular culture. The Mick Jagger portfolio is a continuation of this exercise, an examination of the way one persona can change the world.

In 1975, when the Rolling Stones stayed in Montauk to rehearse for their upcoming tour, Jagger and his wife Bianca visited Warhol at his residence there. During that visit, Warhol took the Polaroids of Jagger that he would eventually turn into this portfolio. Jagger’s rebellious personality captivated Warhol, but he was also impressed with the rock star’s business savvy. Warhol’s fascination with stardom and commercialism made it the perfect collaboration.

Mick Jagger 138 brings attention to Mick Jagger’s eyes rather than his famous lips. A distinct line drawing further emphasizes one eye, thus drawing the viewer’s mind to Jagger’s internal world. Jagger faces the camera head on, his expression nakedly sincere. Warhol’s use of lighter colors like white, translucent blue and teal bring a continued sense of openness to the work. Yet there is still something mysterious about Warhol’s portrayal of Jagger here. It begs the question: What is going on in his mind?