First, a little history lesson. When pop art entered the scene in the late 1950s, it swiftly became the art of the masses. Common objects like Campbell’s Soup Can labels and boxes of commercial soap were used to inspire feelings of romance, sentimentality and humor. Leading the movement was Andy Warhol, an American painter and filmmaker. Warhol was in love with the cult of celebrity and enjoyed infusing the images of some of America’s most beloved icons into his work. One of Warhol’s famous pieces, “Eight Elvises,” recently sold for a record $100 million. In case you’re wondering what $100 million looks like, here you go:
"Eight Elvises" by Andy Warhol (courtesy of Upper Playground.com)
Thankfully, you don’t have to be a millionaire to infuse your home with the flavor and fun of pop art. Here’s a perfect piece for your TV room- especially if you’re a fan of Transformers (because clearly, that’s why everyone is into Megan Fox):
"Megan Fox" by Dan Griffin-Hayes, a Zatista artist
Instead of hanging one of those country kitsch “restroom” signs that have become so popular, why not hang a referential Vaseline Hair Tonic magazine ad?
"Oh-Oh Dry Scalp" by George Fryne, a Zatista artist
If you’re looking to ignite discussion, there’s nothing like an image of Fidel to stoke the conversational fires…
“Fidel” by Martin Wachter, a Zatista artist
Of course, some naysayers believe that pop art is a hackneyed, juvenile hobby for artists who can’t execute their visions using traditional mediums. While I strongly disagree, do you consider pop art a valid form of artistic expression?
Great article! We’re currently publishing a series on Kitsch (and Warhol). Take a look – http://www.thefuschiatree.com/artitude/index.php/2010/03/kitschy-kitschy-bang-bang/
Great article. To answer the question “Do you consider pop art a valid form of artistic expression?”, I would answer, yes, of course, and I would pose the question, “Don’t some artists, unfortunately, cause their visions to appear as hackneyed, juvenile hobbies using traditional mediums as well?” It would be artistically irresponsible to limit artistic expression to “valid” and “invalid”. Let the artist express it by whatever means and let the viewer enjoy or reject it, but let it be created and let it be seen, regardless of the medium.