To the editors:
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Camper consistently refers to Warhol’s “fetishism.” Good word for both the art and the review, I reckon: Webster defines fetishism as “extravagant irrational devotion.” While Warhol might have felt devotion to Marilyn Monroe, Mick Jagger and soup makers, it’s difficult to imagine why anyone else should follow suit. John Updike’s observation in The New Republic makes as much sense as any other I’ve heard; while Warhol was busily denaturing art, many critics soon realized that if art disappears, art critics would, too. The choice has been clear enough–either suck up to Warhol or be prepared to find real work. After all, it is easier to slavishly praise someone than write computer software manuals or edit legalese. Beauty is transitory, but Campbell’s Soup is forever.
Mark E. Heuring
