Top image: still, Edie Sedgwick Screen Test / by Andy Warhol

Between 1964-66, Andy Warhol created a series of Screen Tests – silent, three-minute-long vignettes of the many people who crossed his path during that period.

Filmed predominantly in Warhol’s factory using his tripod-mounted 16mm Bolex camera and 100 inches of black-and-white film, these short, motion portraits were hugely revealing. Screened at a slow speed, they offer an insight into the sitter’s personality and emotions, each engaging with the gaze in different ways; like eating, smoking, crying, smiling or, like Lou Reed, refusing to look directly into the camera in his trademark shades and a bottle of Coca Cola.

Now, ten of these short films are being given new life thanks to a special screening at London’s Barbican Centre. Titled Screen Tests, the performance will feature videos of Lou Reed and Edie Sedgwick, amongst others, alongside a live soundtrack by DJ and producer Leif that expands on ambient, musical themes explored in his latest album, 2019’s Loom Dream.

Screen Tests takes place on 27th February 2020, buy tickets here.