Andy Warhol’s reproductions of popular brand logos have sparked debate as to whether he is playfully critiquing consumerism or snarkily endorsing it. Similarly, the subject of Warhol’s Catholic faith has fed the debate about where to draw the line between sincere and performative belief. But perhaps his faith had more influence over his art than his critics realize, allowing Christ to shine through even the quotidian soup can.
Few have managed to engage both aspects of Warhol’s legacy—his pop art and his faith—with as much nuance as French theorist Jean Baudrillard. Though a non-believer, Baudrillard was one of the few theorists capable of grappling with the religious implications of both postmodernism and consumerism. Despite his nihilistic tendencies, Baudrillard’s insights into Warhol’s oeuvre challenge believers to look more closely at its religious dimensions.
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