Andy Warhol’s Mao (F. & S. II.97) is part of a provocative series of ten screenprints produced in 1972, based on the official portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong. In this work, Warhol combines the seriousness of political propaganda with the vibrant, rebellious energy of Pop Art. The result is a visually striking and culturally charged image.
Using his signature silkscreen technique, Warhol overlays Mao’s stoic face with bold, unconventional colors—often pinks, blues, and greens—and expressive hand-drawn marks. The contrast between the rigid source image and the chaotic surface treatment disrupts the authority of the original portrait, transforming Mao into a celebrity-like figure.
Created during a time of shifting global politics, the Mao series reflects Warhol’s fascination with power, media, and the way iconic images are reproduced and consumed. Mao (F. & S. II.97) in particular stands out for its vivid color contrasts and dynamic composition, offering both a critique and a reflection of how leaders become larger-than-life symbols.