Andy Warhol's Index (Book)

Andy Warhol's Index (Book)

A facsimile edition of the genre-defying Andy Warhol’s Index (Book) – one of the most important photo books of the twentieth century

In 1967 Andy Warhol proposed a groundbreaking publishing concept: a book that was itself a Pop art object. Andy Warhol’s Index (Book) featured interviews and snapshot-style photos of the Factory and its 'Superstars.'

More notably, though, it also boasted ten different movable, tactile elements, including several pop-ups, such as a Hunt’s tomato paste can, a twelve-sided mobile that popped together with a rubber band, and a small accordion that actually made noise when the page was turned. There was a silver balloon as well, along with a 'Do-It-Yourself Nose Job' (the triple-page, rainbow-colored fold-out nose was based on Bob Dylan’s), and a 7-inch flexi-disc containing a conversation among Factory denizens while Velvet Underground’s 'I’m Waiting for the Man' and 'Femme Fatale' play in the background. The book sold thousands of copies, completely selling out its entire print run .

Now, more than fifty years after its publication, Phaidon and producers Melcher Media have faithfully and meticulously brought the Index back into print. This new edition is faithful to the original, from its cleverly engineered interactive elements to the holographic cover and presentation in a clear plastic bag. Brilliant, playful, and enduringly cool, Andy Warhol’s Index (Book) is a collectible art object accessible to all – just as Warhol intended.

Themed around the concept of “discovery,” the featured works address a diverse range of topics, including cultural memory, immigration, the female gaze, physical transformation, and the internet. They are rendered in mediums from painting and drawing to photography, film, and music video. Each work is accompanied by a profile of the artist, providing both context and a broader look at their creative process.

These image-rich artist profiles are punctuated by literary essays and short fiction, and punchy graphic “manifestos” – guides from the likes of Ai Weiwei and Sheila Heti to living a fulfilling creative life.

Evidence that there are infinite ways to express oneself, and that brilliant, unexpected art is being created all around the world every day, Brilliant is an inspiring, untraditional art survey designed for a new generation of creators, collectors, and culture-seekers.

Featured creators include: Russell Tovey, Roxane Gay, Jarvis Cocker, Olivia Laing, Caleb Azumah Nelson, David Sedaris, Marina Abramović, Riz Ahmed, Annie Atkins, Isamaya Ffrench, Sheila Heti, Kneecap, Quil Lemons, Mous Lamrabat, Renell Medrano, Flo Ngala, Polly Nor, Moses Sumney, FKA twigs, Pussy Riot, Tillie Walden, Qualeasha Wood, and Ai Weiwei.