As Managing Editor of the online shelter magazine, Lonny, Robert Leleux is lucky enough to visit the homes of some of today’s leading cultural innovators. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t look to the past for creative inspiration. He was more than game to recall his earliest encounter with Andy’s work, as well as speculate on which media-savvy starlets might be worthy of their own Warholian portraits if the Pop star were alive today.
When did you first encounter Andy’s work?
I remember my mother reading The Andy Warhol Diaries like it was Lady Chatterley’s Lover. That scintillating orange and silver book had smut written all over it.
Who would be Andy’s muse if he were alive today?
Without question, Daphne Guinness. She’s Jackie O by way of Edie Sedgwick.
What are your latest cultural obsessions?
Honey Boo Boo, the Brigid Berlin of the pre-school set.
What would you consider to be Warhol’s personal motto?
“Money is the god of art.”
If you could collaborate with Andy on a design project, what would it be?
Anything he’d have to hawk on HSN. I mean, can you imagine? Performance art par excellence.
Dream dinner-party: you, Warhol, and…?
John Waters. Also, Rufus Wainwright. It could be like a highbrow version of RuPaul’s Drag Race. In fact, now that I think of it, let’s ask RuPaul, too…
Imagine Warhol had a Twitter account. What kind of thing might he say in 140 characters or less?
“In light of Bravo’s Spring lineup, have decided 15 min of fame is too long.”
Whose portrait would Andy most want to do if he were alive today?
I think he’d craft some devastating (and devastatingly remunerative) portrait of the celebrity culture he helped launch—like painting the Kardashians in the spirit of his pea-green Nixon.
If you could own one work by Andy, what would it be?
I’m from Houston, and have always had a hankering for one of his Lynn Wyatt portraits.
Soup can or Coke bottle?
A coke and a smile.
Marilyn, Liz or Jackie?
Why not Liza?
Follow Robert
Twitter: @robertleleux
www.lonny.com
