As editor-in-chief of Out, America's largest gay men's magazine, Aaron Hicklin knows a thing or two about gay culture. And while Andy Warhol wasn't the first openly-gay celebrity in American history, he was certainly one of the first to gain such mainstream acceptance: Indeed, it's hard to imagine popular culture today without him. In conjunction with an upcoming gay pride-themed sale of Warhol's drawing and photographs, most focused on the male nude, Christie's wanted to hear Hicklin's take on Andy's art and persona -- their effect on him personally and on the culture at large. Here, he talks antiques, Ru Paul and why we're all really drag artists deep down.
What was your first Warholian moment, and when did you first encounter him?
I don't recall -- at a certain point you just become aware of Warhol. And then he's everywhere.
What or who would be Andy's muse if he were alive today?
Instagram, Apple and (for better or worse) Kim Kardashian
What are your latest cultural obsessions?
Books. Real ones, made of paper and with binding. They're amazing!
What would you consider Warhol's most memorable quote or anthem?
"I don't believe in death, because I always think that when somebody dies they actually just go uptown... They go to Bloomingdales's and they just take a little longer to get back"
If you could collaborate with Andy on a project, what would it be?
Dream dinner-party: You, Warhol, and...?
Oscar Wilde. Just the two of them.
Imagine Warhol had a Twitter account. What kind of thing might he say in 140 characters or less?
I wouldn't presume to say.
Whose portrait would Andy most want to do now?
A toss-up between Lindsay Lohan and Michelle Obama
Drag every day or only on special occasions?
To quote Ru Paul (at his most Warholian), "We are born naked, the rest is drag."
Lead image by Lisa Carpenter
See and bid on Christie's gay pride-themed collection of Warhol's drawings and photographs, "For Members Only: Eyes on the Guise," on sale in an exclusive online auction, June 13-27.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.