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Turtle 360A by Andy Warhol features a sea turtle that is layered with shades of purples and blues. The image is based on a photograph, which was then screen printed and illustrated with different colors. The print was made to coincide with the release of the 1985 film Turtle Diary. Directed by John Irvin and based on the novel written by Russell Hoban, the film featured stars such as Ben Kingsley and Glenda Jackson. Warhol published his fair share of animal prints, including his Endangered Species portfolio, which was commissioned to bring awareness to endangered animals and environmental consciousness.
Although it is a separate project entirely, Turtle is often conflated with Warhol’s Endangered Species series, which was published two years prior.
Photograph of Warhol with Endangered Species screen prints taken by Brownie Harris, 1982, The Factory, NYC.
Turtle 360A as Part of Andy Warhol’s Larger Body of Work
This turtle print was published for the 1985 film by Harold Pinter entitled Turtle Diary. The film is based on the novel by Russell Hoban and was adapted by Harold Pinter into a British romantic comedy. The film follows a British couple who find love after meeting at a Sea Turtle exhibit at the London Zoo. Together, they decide to release the turtles into the sea, which is also a metaphoric representation of the release of their own inhibitions and insecurities. Warhol created Turtle 360A in 1985, which was used for promotional materials for the movie’s release.
