“Love, Joe”: Inside Artist Joe Brainard’s Private Letters to Andy Warhol

Love, Joe, edited by Daniel Kane at Columbia University Press, is a curated collection of the legendary Joe Brainard’s personal correspondence. It is also a portal through which the reader can enter into the various circles that the New York School writer and artist ran in, and how, through his openness and deep candor, he seemingly dissolved the boundaries between art and life. Below is an excerpt from the book of Brainard’s correspondence with Andy Warhol, revealing details of a friendship that spanned everything from casual art deals to vacationing in Southhampton with John Ashbery.

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There is not much correspondence between Brainard and Andy Warhol, but what little there is tantalizes the reader with a sense of the exchanges between the not-yet-famous Warhol and the never-quite-famous Brainard. A short and tender letter Brainard sent to Warhol in the hospital just after Warhol was shot by Valerie Solanas in July 1968 reveals a depth of feeling and intimacy between the two artists that is otherwise belied by the breezy (if still compelling) tone of the other letters. The various gifts of artworks (either promised and never delivered or promised and received) show Brainard and Warhol taking part in an exchange economy that stands in stark contrast to the hyperinflated art market that Warhol would eventually capitalize on.

Summer 1964, 302 Elizabeth Street, New York City

Dear Andy—Hope you were serious about giving me that Pan print. I do want it very much. I know how it is though, I’m like that too; it is so easy to say things and then sometimes so much trouble somehow to actually do it. Please do do it tho. OK? Good. Thanks. And lots of love, Joe.

P.S. See you.

June 11, 1968, 74 Jane Street, New York City

Dear Andy 

I just want to let you know that I have been thinking about you. I didn’t realize until this thing happened how much I would miss you. Since we rarely see each other this seems funny, but true. I’m very fond of you, and I’m so glad that you are going to be O.K. Kenward and John Ashbery and myself are renting Fairfield Porter’s house for the summer. (In Southampton) If ever during the summer you would like to come out and stay with us please call. (Fairfield’s phone number is in Southampton’s information)

So—maybe I’ll be seeing you this summer. And if not this summer, next fall. Once again—I’m sorry—but happy that you are better. Do take care. I’m sending you a copy of a new book Kenward and I did called “The Champ.” Love, Joe

Late spring 1969, 74 Jane Street, New York City

Dear Andy 

Just want to let you know that it was good to see you the other day. You know how much I like you. Have a great summer. See you more, I hope, in the fall.

Love, Joe

March 7, 1972, 664 6th Avenue, New York City

Dear Andy 

If you want my Marilyn Monroe collection (books, calendars, playing cards, tin tray, & paper dolls) just give me a call* and they are yours.

So—how are you?

Love, Joe

*243–1762

April 15, 1972, 664 6th Avenue, New York City

Dear Andy 

Seeing you again was great, and I love the flower picture.

I thank you.

As I plan to boil my possessions down to what will fit into one suitcase it will be probably the only painting I can keep.

Do you like the portfolio? I wanted you to come over and pick out anything you wanted, but I knew how hard it would be to get you to come over, so—I picked for you. Hope I did so well. (?)

I love this cow, don’t you?

Hope it’s not so long before I see you again.  Take care!

Love, Joe