In the mid-1960s, Andy Warhol made hundreds of short films of friends who visited his studio. These silent, black and white films have a hypnotic quality because they are unscripted and are played in slow motion. The films take their name from Hollywood screen tests, although Warhol also referred to them as film portraits or “stillies.”

Some of the subjects are famous, like Salvador Dali, Marisol, and Lou Reed, while others are now forgotten. Like all his art, the Screen Tests comment on media and celebrity. Warhol predicted that in the future “everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” Fittingly, these films anticipate our current fascination with social media and selfies, as well as our reliance on video communication.

Warhol shot over 400 screen tests, each made on a 100-foot roll of film. This exhibition features 20 films shown across four largescale projections each looping five Screen Tests. The digital transfers have been provided by the Andy Warhol Museum.

Why should the celebs in Warhol’s studio have all the fun?
Make a Screen Test of your own!
When he began making Screen Tests, Warhol’s instructions were to stay as still as possible – no moving, talking, or even blinking. Some met the challenge. But others erupted in laughter and a few flouted the rules by performing to the camera.

Last chances to make your own Screen Test: Friday, June 17 at the Studio 54 Dance Party!

The Currier will only post visitor Screen Tests with signed permission and will delete other recordings weekly.

This exhibition is sponsored by Hitchiner Manufacturing Co. Inc. with additional support from Jay Surdukowski.