In June and July of 1963, John Giorno and Andy Warhol created a playful and satirical work titled "Andy Warhol Interviewed by a Poet." Giorno described the project as a parody, produced without any serious agenda, intended merely for enjoyment and as a response to the pretentiousness of the art world. The duo recorded their interactions in various settings including taxis, at Giorno's home on East 74th Street, Warhol's apartment on Lexington Avenue, and the Firehouse Factory. Whenever Warhol made a remark that seemed interview-worthy, Giorno would jot it down, crafting questions that matched the artist's replies. Their collaboration was described as a "dysfunctional interview" influenced by Tennessee Williams' style, with Warhol directing, “Oh, just put it together any way. It doesn’t matter.” Despite the fun they had, the interview was never published.
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In the conversation, Giorno asked Warhol various questions regarding his painting career. Warhol recounted that he attempted to paint Hedy Lamarr when he was nine but found that he couldn’t. He claimed he could create a picture in five minutes, but often faced difficulties requiring him to redo his work. Discussing his artistic processes, Warhol revealed he had once produced fifty Elvis paintings in a day, only to have them ruined by a leaky roof.
When questioned about his absence from a certain Modern Museum show, Warhol expressed disappointment but indicated it did not matter in the grand scheme. His views on Abstract Expressionism were stark, stating, "Art is dead," claiming that people no longer think or use imagination.
Giorno pressed on topics like Warhol's approach to art, where he admitted, "Pop Art is a fade," yet still identified himself as a "Pop Artist." He expressed interest in joining Marlborough Gallery, noting the benefits of having a private secretary for his career.
In more personal reflections, Warhol mentioned the struggles he faced due to an allergy to varnish he used for cleaning his screens and brushes, though he was unsure of its exact cause. He talked about his experiences away from painting, highlighting his newfound appreciation for life and activities like going to a health club.
Warhol shared insights on his upcoming project, "Sleep," which consists of John Giorno sleeping for eight hours. Despite not having completed his "death pictures" for an upcoming Paris show, he spoke of his fascination with themes surrounding mortality, referencing tragic events like car crashes and riots.
The interview concluded with dialogues about artists and personalities, including a curious desire to meet Elizabeth Taylor, whom Warhol admired for her glamour.