Library Task: Find an academic text

 1966 - Gerard Malanga - 'Warhol and The Velvet Underground'

For my academic text I have chosen to look at work in 'Photo Icons - The Story Behind the Pictures' by Hans-Michael Koetzle. I chose the image below taken in 1966 by Gerard Malanga of Andy Warhol, Nico and The Velvet Underground. This book has a wide selection of iconic photos dating from the first photographic practice used by Nicephore Niepce with 'View from the study window' in 1839 right to Robert Mapplethorpes portrait of Lisa Lyon in 1980's and more. The book is based on Koetzle's 'reading' of pictures, with detailed analyses on each photo he has selected as well as a background on the photographer and the people in the pictures.

Gerard Melanga is an American photographer, poet  and film-maker. He worked closely with Warhol throughout the 1960's and was described by the New York Times as his 'most important associate.' He documented the day to day life of Warhol, as well as collaborating on many of his mini screen tests. They continued to work close together up until Warhol's death in the 1980's, when Malanga persisted as a photographer based in New York and described as a Warhol expert.

Text and Image Analysis:

Initially when presented with this image it reflects that of a photo-shoot that has been staged to be aesthetically pleasing, with the undeniable styling of the artists and the compositions that suggest they have not decided to just stand there. But in fact, as with the majority of Malanga's work, nothing here is set up or staged. The photo consists of Andy Warhol, Nico and the Velvet Underground, stood in front of what looks like a shop window of some description, displaying their ultimate hipster trend and influential importance of their time. This is what allows you to believe they have been directed into this very rock and roll arrangement in order to achieve a solid image. However, it in fact almost did not happen at all. This statement picture was taken on Malanga's 35mm film camera in the style of an everyday snapshot with a simple quick press of the button with no intention whatsoever to create 'art'. Once aware of the haphazard method behind this picture is in result what adds an overwhelming appeal to it and them.