Pop Art
Artists created various paintings or sculptures of culture objects and media stars to blur the boundaries between "high" art and "low" culture. This concept was to show that there is no hierarchy of culture and art which can be borrowed from any source. This was very influential at the time. As Pop Art followed from Abstract Expressionists, each movement focused on different subjects. The Expressionists searched for trauma in the soul while Pop artists searched for inspiration in the real world around them, basing it off the idea of living the 'American Dream'. Pop artists believed that everything was linked and sought to make those connections in their work. Pop Art covers a wide variety of work with different attitudes. This is contrasting with the abstract work that preceded it which was "hot" expressionism whereas Pop Art is generally "coolly" ambivalent. This was accepted by the popular world however, to some, it was was seen as a shock. "I don't think about art when I'm working. I try to think about life." - Jean Michel Basquiat. The guardian say "The art, however, was not and is not just about partying." (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/oct/20/pop-art-design-barbican-review)
Pop Art develop within the post-war effects. However Britain and America were effected in different. ways. America's economy was booming due to their weapon trades and involvement in the war. This allowed America's population to live the 'American Dream' and enjoy life in the sun. However over the Atlantic, Britain was suffering the negative effects of war. Ration books were still in use, buildings were destroyed, the economy wasn't developing and the morality of the people was low. Pop Art in Britain was inspired by the American lifestyle as a whole. With its vivid colours and bold outlines, it set an image of prosperity within the minds of the British. However, others were not convinced by Pop Art or art in general as the common person had very little money. With the rise of Pop Art in advertisements and their lives generally, they question whether they could even afford these pieces of work. Pop Art in Britain began in 1952 with a gathering of artists in London calling themselves the Independent Group. They began meeting regularly to discuss topics such as mass culture in fine art, found objects and science and technology. Members included Edouardo Paolozzi, Richard Hamilton etc... As Britain was still emerging from the effects of the post-war years, the people were ambivalent about American popular culture. Whilst the group was suspicious of this, they remained intrigued by Pop Art and its various cultural subjects. "Pop is a re-enlistment in the world...It is the American Dream, optimistic, generous and naïve" - Jim Dine
Pop Art consisted of multiple techniques and styles which varied through artists' work. These techniques were painting, collage, sculpture etc... Each technique was experimented with and used injunction with each other.
Pop Art has multiple characteristics that make up its iconic look: Young - Pop Art was aimed at the young as they were socialising and had the most free time. They spent this time in cinemas, watching television, hanging out in cafes or social areas. This was perfect for advertisers to display their bright vivid Pop Art which caught the eyes of the youngster. Expendable - Pop Art was replaceable in every area. Artists could mass produce images and sell them therefore they would only have to create a certain amount and then move on to a new idea. Moreover adverts were continually advertising new products which required new artwork to replace the old advert. Transient - Pop Art was a short term solution and was easy to produce. This made it easy for artists and advertisers to mass produce work and develop quick unique ideas to catch the eye of its consumers. Low Cost - Pop Art was cheap due to America's invention of the construction line. This enabled mass production of work reducing the cost of the final product. Witty - Pop Art was expressive and bold. Moreover this allowed artists to create witty pieces of work due to the nature of Pop Art. This was achieved by using certain subject matters that were relevant at the time and adding a twist or reference to it. Sexy - Pop Art was sexy due to certain artists. As Pop Art used collage within it, the naked figure was commonly involved within these pieces to present to female. In addition female figures would be drawn more evocatively with accentuated features, appealing to the male fantasy. "Everyone needs a fantasy."- Andy Warhol.
People at the time didn't agree on their opinions of Pop Art. Just like other movements, people like and dislike the art created criticising it and praising it. In the Pop Art movement, the rich were heavily criticising Pop Art as it strayed away from the 'norm'. Paintings were originally created for the powerful, religious reasons or to convey political propaganda (Baroque). However as Pop Art could be mass produced they were cheaper and adapted easily. This benefited companies, media, the public as this artwork could be readily available. Art was becoming to be for everyone rather then the rich. But there was some opposition towards this as the war had frequently ended and rations had nto stopped. This left people wondering why, with the recovering economy, people would produce art to sell when most people couldn't afford it.
Overall I think Pop Art is an exciting movement to explore. I believe this because Pop Art demonstrates that inspiration can be drawn from emotional and physical items we use and experiences we have. This will allow me to add a contemporary twist to Pop Art as the boundaries are practically limitless within this movement. Also Pop Art is colourful and bright allowing me to use vivid colours and bold outlines unlike the past two movements. Moreover I believe that I am going to enjoy this movement the best as I will be able to draw inspiration from multiple source both physical and emotional. Compared to the last two movements Pop Art involves the use of more colours combined than Surrealism and Baroque. In addition I believe my final outcome will be immediately recognisable to be inspired by Pop Art due to it distinct style whereas the other movements were iconic but perhaps not as internationally renown than Pop Art.
Quotes from:
https://www.tate.org.uk/art
https://www.brainyquote.com/
https://artsandculture.google.com/
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