STEVE JOBS Showing Andy WARHOL AND kieth HARING THE Macintosh IN 1984 — Quick Facts
Steve Jobs taught Andy Warhol to use MacPaint at Sean Lennon's 1984 birthday party, accidentally launching the digital art revolution with a simple circle.
Key Data Points
- Steve Jobs demonstrated the Macintosh to Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Kenny Scharf at Sean Lennon's 9th birthday party in 1984
- Warhol was mesmerized by drawing a simple circle on MacPaint, exclaiming 'Look! Keith! I drew a circle!'
- The impromptu tech demo connected three pillars of 1980s culture: Apple's innovation, pop art royalty, and street art pioneers
Frequently Asked
- Did Steve Jobs demonstrate the Macintosh to Andy Warhol?
- Yes, Steve Jobs demonstrated the Macintosh to Andy Warhol on October 9, 1984, at Sean Lennon's 9th birthday party. Warhol was captivated by the computer and famously drew a simple circle in MacPaint, exclaiming with childlike delight at his creation.
- Who attended Sean Lennon's 9th birthday party in 1984?
- Sean Lennon's 9th birthday party on October 9, 1984, included notable cultural figures such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, Walter Cronkite, Louise Nevelson, John Cage, Harry Nilsson, and Yoko Ono. Steve Jobs also attended and brought the newly released Macintosh as Sean's birthday gift.
- What did Andy Warhol do with the Macintosh mouse?
- When Jobs tried to explain how the mouse worked, Warhol lifted it off the floor and swished it through the air instead of using it on the desktop. Jobs had to place his hand over Warhol's to guide him on how to properly use the mouse.
- What year was the Macintosh released?
- The Macintosh was released in 1984, the same year Steve Jobs demonstrated it to Andy Warhol and Keith Haring at Sean Lennon's birthday party on October 9, 1984.
- Who were the street artists at Sean Lennon's birthday party?
- Keith Haring and Kenny Scharf, both pioneers of the 1980s East Village art movement, were present at the party. Scharf was Haring's roommate from the School of Visual Arts and a key figure in the street art scene of that era.