Art offers an opening for expression and reinvention as Andy rises from grim Pittsburgh origins to become an innovative force in the New York art world.

Andy embraces his role as a portrait painter for the rich and famous. But discontent — and disco-era hedonism — tears apart his life with Jed Johnson.

Fantasy propels Andy into the world of modeling and TV — and a relationship with the closeted Jon Gould — leading to explorations of drag and identity.

The '80s take off, and graffiti artists inspired by pop art energize New York. Andy forms a close, fruitful friendship with Jean-Michel Basquiat.

As HIV/AIDS hits NYC hard, Andy accepts a commission honoring "The Last Supper." The series takes on new resonance when he dies soon after the opening.