The Power of Iconic Package Design

Warhol retrospective at Chicago’s Art Institute recalls how iconic brands and their alluring package design inspired the pop art movement and catapulted the artist into history.

Brillo sculpture from 1964 not only pays homage to beautiful package graphics, the Brillo boxes were produced in a 'factory' and displayed like products on a store shelf.
Brillo sculpture from 1964 not only pays homage to beautiful package graphics, the Brillo boxes were produced in a "factory" and displayed like products on a store shelf.

I know, I know, “okay boomer.”  Sixty-years-old, I have worked in publishing in the packaging space my entire career, and I am keenly aware of artist Andy Warhol’s impact on the art world when he was inspired to produce works featuring iconic brands like Campbell Soup, Brillo and Coca Cola.

But a recent trip to a major Warhol exhibit at Chicago’s Art Institute revealed that Warhol’s work with brands was a major breakthrough yet represents a very small slice of his life’s work.

Warhol started out in the 50s as a commercial artist churning out notable newspaper ads for shoes.  But in 1962 his fascination with supermarkets, branding and packaging graphics “drew a link between commercial package design and contemporary minimalist art.”

Stuck in the 60's, author Jim Chrzan performs in a Grateful Dead/Bob Dylan cover band. He lives in a mid-century modern home built in 1955.Stuck in the 60's, author Jim Chrzan performs in a Grateful Dead/Bob Dylan cover band. He lives in a mid-century modern home built in 1955.

Sure, he made the Campbell’s soup can a cultural icon.  But he also worked with Del Monte Peaches, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Heinz Ketchup, Mott’s Apple Juice and Coca-Cola. 

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