William John Kennedy (photographer)

William John Kennedy (1930 – December 16, 2021) was an American photographer.[5][6] He was best known for his work Before they were famous and other works much of which is inspired by his real life friendship with American artists Robert Indiana and Andy Warhol, both who were associated with the pop art movement.[7] His photograph of Andy Warhol holding up the acetate of Marilyn Monroe is on permanent display in the lobby of the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[8]

William John Kennedy
Born1930[1][2]
Glen Cove, New York, United States
DiedDecember 16, 2021
Miami, United States
NationalityAmerican
EducationSyracuse University[3]
OccupationPhotographer
WorksBefore they were famous[4]

Early life and education

Kennedy received his education from Syracuse University where he majored in fine art.[3] During his early years, he worked as an assistant and studio manager for American fashion photographer Clifford Coffin.[3]

Career

Kennedy was a freelance photographer who formed a friendship with then unknown artists Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana.[9]He used to take photographs of Warhol and his entourage as well as Indiana for his own personal practice. Years later, Kennedy rediscovered the negatives. An exhibition entitled Before they were famous was constructed around these newly discovered negatives and transparencies and was featured at exhibitions in London, New York City as well as the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[10][11]

Kennedy's life, work as well as his friendship with Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana was the subject of a documentary, Full Circle.[12] His friendship with Warhol and Indiana is also featured in another documentary film titled Andy Warhol: A documentary.[11]

Personal life

Kennedy was married.[13] He was a native of Garden City, Long Island[3] but later moved to Miami Beach, Florida.[11]

References
  1. "William John Kennedy". Artsy (website). Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  2. "W.J. Kennedy". WestWoodPhoto. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  3. "William John Kennedy". Long Sharp Gallery. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  4. Webster, Camilla. "Before they were famous – Warhol by William John Kennedy". HuffPost. Verizon Media. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  5. Schwarz, Gabrielle (September 3, 2022). "'We nearly threw them out': the photographs of Andy Warhol that sat in a cupboard for 50 years" – via The Guardian.
  6. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/obituaries/article256802092.html
  7. "Before they were famous: Behind the lens of William John Kennedy". Resource Mag Online. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  8. Moore, Patrick. "The new Warhol lobby featuring the photography of William John Kennedy". Warhol. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  9. Brinkworth, Dennis. "Young Andy Warhol Highlights William John Kennedy Exhibit". Haute Living. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  10. Arts Group, Kiwi. "Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana: Insights and Images "Before They Were Famous"". PR Newswire. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  11. Ilnytzky, Ula. "Before They Were Famous". Durango Herald. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  12. Agguire, Abby. "Almost Famous". T. The New York Times. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  13. Galante, Meredith. "Andy Warhol Working In The Factory Before He Was Famous". Business Insider. Axel Springer. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
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