POP ART (1954-1970)
Pop Art was the art movement that characterized a sense of optimism during the post war consumer boom of the 1950's and 60's. It coincided with the globalization of pop music and youth culture, personified by Elvis and The Beatles.

The stark look of Pop Art emerged from a fusion of Dada collages and 'readymades' with the imagery of the consumer culture. It was seen as an antidote to the introspection of Abstract Expressionism.

On the surface Pop Art looked brash, colorful, young, fun and allegedly hostile to the artistic establishment. It included different styles of painting and sculpture from various countries, but what they all had in common was an interest in popular culture.

From a deeper understanding, Dr. Camille Paglia (University of the Arts, Philadelphia) contrasts Pop Art against the previous art periods (Realists, Impressionists, Abstractionists) - that the avant-garde was genuinely heroic: “These people typically suffered for their radical ideas and innovations. Going right down to Picasso and down to Jackson Pollack who truly suffered for his art. It was only after Jackson’s death that suddenly the market was created for abstract art. Pop art killed the avant-garde. The idea that the avant-garde continues is an absolute disillusion of the contemporary art world. The moment Andy Warhol went through and embraced the popular media, instead of having the opposition to it - that was the end of oppositional art".

RICHARD HAMILTON  (1922-2011)
“Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing”  (1956)
Collage  (Kunsthalle Tubingen Collection, Germany)
First work of pop art to achieve iconic status.

ANDY WARHOL  (1928-1987)
"Campbell’s Soup Cans"  (1962)
Synthetic polymer paint on thirty-two canvases.  (Museum of Modern Art, New York City)

"Triple Elvis"  (1962)
Acrylic and silkscreen ink on canvas.  (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art)

 
 
EDWARD RUSCHA  (1937 – Present)
"Standard Station" (1966)
Screenprint  (Museum of Modern Art, New York City)

PATRICK CAULFIELD  (1936-2005)
"Bathroom Mirror"  (1968)
Screenprint on Paper  (Tate Gallery, London)

 
 
JASPER JOHNS  (1930 – Present)
"Map"  (1961)
Oil on Canvas  (Museum of Modern Art, New York City)

ROBERT INDIANA  (1928 – Present)
"Love"  (1968)
Screenprint  (Museum of Modern Art, New York City)

  z