Founded in October 1969 by pop artist Andy Warhol and journalist John Wilcock, Interview magazine began as inter/VIEW: A Monthly Film Journal. Initially conceived to secure press credentials for the New York Film Festival, it quickly evolved into a prominent voice in pop culture.
๐ The Crystal Ball of Pop
Nicknamed "The Crystal Ball of Pop Culture," the magazine became renowned for its candid interviews with celebrities and cultural figures. Warhol envisioned it as a "conversational magazine" filled with "good news," reflecting his own social circle and the vibrant artistic scene of the era.
๐จ Warhol's Vision
Operating from Warhol's legendary Factory, the magazine's early issues featured film stills and interviews, paying homage to influential publications like Charles Henri Ford's View. The distinctive cursive logo, created by artist Richard Bernstein, became a signature element.
A Chronicle of Change ๐
๐ฐ๏ธ The Warhol Era (1969-1987)
Under Warhol's direct and indirect influence, Interview captured the zeitgeist of the 1970s and 80s. It featured a mix of artists, musicians, actors, and socialites, often with full-page photographs. Bob Colacello served as editor-in-chief during a significant period, shaping the magazine's identity as a reflection of Warhol's social life.
Shifted focus from film to broader pop culture.
Introduced the iconic cursive logo designed by Richard Bernstein.
Featured influential photographers like Francesco Scavullo and Robert Mapplethorpe.
Warhol hosted parties for the magazine, using tape recorders to capture content.
๐ข Brant Publications (1989-2018)
Following Warhol's death, Brant Publications Inc. acquired the magazine in 1989. Sandra Brant and Ingrid Sischy led the publication through the 90s and 2000s, maintaining its format and influence. However, the magazine faced financial difficulties, leading to its closure announcement in May 2018.
Acquired by Peter Brant and Sandra Brant for $10 million.
Ingrid Sischy served as editor-in-chief until 2008.
Christopher Bollen and Glenn O'Brien briefly co-directed after Sischy's departure.
Filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2018.
๐ Relaunch and Continuity
In August 2018, Peter Brant's company repurchased Interview out of bankruptcy. The magazine relaunched with its 521st issue, signaling a new chapter. Mel Ottenberg took over as Editor-in-Chief in 2021, continuing the magazine's legacy of capturing contemporary culture.
Purchased out of bankruptcy by Singleton LLC (owned by Peter Brant).
Relaunched in September 2018.
Mel Ottenberg appointed Editor-in-Chief in 2021.
Continues to feature prominent figures in art, fashion, and culture.
Editorial Leadership ๐งโ๐ผ
Throughout its history, Interview magazine has been guided by a succession of influential editors who shaped its distinctive voice and aesthetic.
๐ Key Editorial Roles
The magazine's editorial direction has been steered by notable figures, from its founding editors to contemporary leaders.
Editor
Start Year
End Year
Gerard Malanga
1969
1970
Soren Agenoux
1970
1970
Kenneth Geist
1970
1970
Bob Colacello
1970
1971
Glenn O'Brien
1972
1973
Rosemary Kent
1973
1974
Bob Colacello
1974
1983
Robert Hayes
1983
1984
Gael Love
1985
1987
Kevin Sessums
1987
1989
Shelley Wanger
1988
1990
Ingrid Sischy
1990
2008
Christopher Bollen
2008
2009
Nick Haramis
2017
2021
Mel Ottenberg
2021
Present
Global Reach ๐
Interview magazine's influence extended beyond the United States, with international editions capturing local cultural nuances.
๐ฐ International Presence
While the US edition remains the flagship, Interview has been published in various countries, adapting its content to diverse markets.
Country
Circulation Dates
Editor-in-Chief
Start Year
End Year
United States (Interview)
1969โ2018, 2018โPresent
See above
Russia (Interview Russia)
2011โ2017
Aliona Doletskaya
2011
2017
Germany (Interview Germany)
2012โ2020
Joerg Koch
2012
2013
Lisa Feldmann
2013
2014
Brazil
1980sโ1990s
Cultural Contributions โจ
Interview magazine has not only documented culture but actively shaped it through its features on art, film, music, and literature.
๐ผ๏ธ Iconic Artworks
The magazine frequently featured and discussed contemporary art, aligning with Warhol's own artistic legacy.
Campbell's Soup Cans
Marilyn Diptych
Eight Elvises
Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster)
Flowers
Cow Wallpaper
Big Electric Chair
Shot Marilyns
Ladies and Gentlemen series
Shadows paintings
Camouflage Self-Portrait
๐ฌ Cinematic Features
From its origins as a film journal to its ongoing coverage, Interview has spotlighted significant figures and works in cinema.
Sleep
Kiss
Eat
Blow Job
Screen Tests
Empire
Chelsea Girls
My Hustler
The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound
Trash
Flesh for Frankenstein
Blood for Dracula
๐ Literary and Media
The magazine's scope included influential books and media projects associated with Warhol and the cultural movements he inspired.
Books:a, A Novel, The Philosophy of Andy Warhol, POPism: The Warhol '60s, The Andy Warhol Diaries.
Media:Andy Warhol's Pork, Andy Warhol's Fifteen Minutes.
Ownership and Evolution ๐ผ
๐ค Brant Publications Era
In 1989, Brant Publications Inc., led by Peter Brant and Sandra Brant, acquired Interview. This marked a significant transition, with Sandra Brant managing the business and Ingrid Sischy serving as editor-in-chief for nearly two decades.
๐ Digital Presence
Interview adapted to the digital age, making its content available online and through applications. The magazine's website, interviewmagazine.com, serves as a primary platform for its current content and archives.
Official Website: interviewmagazine.com
Teacher's Corner ๐งโ๐ซ
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
A full list of references for this article are available at the Interview (magazine) Wikipedia page
Feedback & Support ๐
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer โ ๏ธ
๐ Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding art, media, or cultural history. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.
