Lost Photos Capture Andy Warhol and His Crew Roaming Manhattan’s Lower East Side in 1966

In 1966, photographer Larry Fink took a series of photos of Andy Warhol and his friends in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. These photos were meant for a small literary magazine called East Side Review, which went out of business before they could be published. The pictures were forgotten in Fink’s archives until they were rediscovered recently.

Andy Warhol, a well-known figure in the art world, was the focus of these photos. Larry Fink wanted to capture Warhol and his circle in a different light. He spent four days with them, both at The Factory, Warhol’s famous studio, and around the streets of the Lower East Side. Fink described these days as “ironic and fun-filled.”

The group included famous names like Edie Sedgwick, Lou Reed, John Cale, Ingrid Superstar, and Gerard Malanga. They were part of Warhol’s inner circle, often referred to as The Factory crew. Fink’s photos show them in various candid moments, offering a glimpse into their lives and personalities.

Fink noticed that while Warhol was present everywhere, he stayed away from political issues and protests. Warhol seemed uninterested in these matters, which set him apart from the social movements of the time. Despite this, Fink found the experience of photographing Warhol and his friends enjoyable and full of unique moments.

These photos are important because they capture a specific time and place in the art world. The Lower East Side was a vibrant and gritty area, and Warhol’s presence there was significant. The photos also show the connections and friendships within Warhol’s group, adding depth to our understanding of this iconic artist and his environment.