Final answer:
Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans played a key role in the transition from abstract expressionism to Pop Art, emphasizing the glorification of everyday consumption and popular culture. Despite initial considerations for litigation by Campbell's, the company recognized the promotional value of Warhol's work and became a patron of its commercial success.
Step-by-step explanation:
Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans are a pivotal series in the history of art, marking a substantial departure from abstract expressionism to the burgeoning Pop Art movement. In 1962, Warhol exhibited 32 canvases with synthetic polymer paint, each portraying a different flavor of Campbell's Soup, which mirrored the 32 types available at the time. This not only sparked a new artistic direction but also played a significant role in the commercial world by glorifying everyday consumption habits and consumer culture.
Though Campbell's initially considered a copyright infringement lawsuit against Warhol, they eventually embraced the art for its promotional power, even purchasing two of these iconic pieces. Warhol's approach to art, including the use of commercial techniques like photo-silkscreening, was grounded in the belief that art should be accessible to everyone, not just a select few. His work extended beyond soup cans to other commercial and popular imagery, including figures like Elvis Presley and dollar bills, cementing his status as a leading figure in Pop Art and a commentator on mass culture.