Brigid Berlin, Warhol Factory Chronicler and Polaroid Artist, Dies at 80
Brigid Berlin, an American artist and former socialite who played a pivotal role in Andy Warhol's Factory, passed away at the age of 80. She first encountered Warhol in 1964, subsequently relocating to the Hotel Chelsea in Manhattan and adopting the moniker 'Brigid Polk.' Berlin chronicled the Factory's vibrant life through Polaroids and tape recordings, culminating in her 2015 publication, 'Brigid Berlin: Polaroids.' Her artistic repertoire included the 'Tit Prints' series, performance art, and 'trip books.' Notably, her 'Cock Book' volumes showcased penis illustrations from artists such as Jasper Johns and Jean-Michel Basquiat, with three copies fetching $175,000 at auction. She also featured in Warhol's films and later in John Waters' 'Serial Mom' and 'Pecker.' In her later years, Berlin became more reclusive, with her brother describing her as 'a force.'
Key facts
- Brigid Berlin died at age 80
- She met Andy Warhol in 1964
- She documented Factory life with Polaroids and tape recordings
- Her book 'Brigid Berlin: Polaroids' was published in 2015 by Reel Art Press
- She created 'Tit Prints' from 1966 to 1996 using her breasts
- Her 'Cock Book' featured penis drawings by famous artists
- Richard Prince bought three 'Cock Book' volumes for $175,000
- She appeared in Warhol films including 'Chelsea Girls' (1966)
Entities
Artists
- Brigid Berlin
- Andy Warhol
- John Waters
- Jasper Johns
- Robert Rauschenberg
- Peter Beard
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Leonard Cohen
- Victor Hugo
- Richard Prince
- Edie Sedgwick
- Richard Dupont
Institutions
- Reel Art Press
- The Factory
- Hotel Chelsea
- New York Times
Locations
- Manhattan
- United States