Animals n.d.

This black and white photograph called ‘Animals’ was taken by Andy Warhol. While Warhol is most famous for his pop art, this image resonates with his broader interest in social commentary and the structures that underpin artistic success. In 1970s America, institutions like art schools and museums dictated what was deemed 'worthy' of attention. The image is cropped to obscure the subject's identity while they pet a horse. It also includes the banality of suburban architecture and an anonymous child, all rendered in stark monochrome. Warhol seems to question the conventional subjects of fine art. By presenting this seemingly mundane scene, Warhol challenges the art world’s established norms. The photograph suggests that anything—or anyone—can be a subject for art, undermining traditional hierarchies. To fully appreciate Warhol's photograph, we might delve into the history of photography and the shifting role of museums. These resources can reveal how artists like Warhol used their work to challenge and redefine the boundaries of art itself.