Pop Art

Pop Art 1960 - 1974 – Warhol vs. Lichtenstein
The "Pop Art" movement began as a reactionary statement against the long running streak Abstract Expressionism held on popular art. It began the late 1950's, though it truly prospered during the sixties and early seventies. Pop artists utilized the imagery and techniques of consumerism and pop culture as a subject matter. As a style, it was based on using bright imagery and reproduction, to show the beauty of everyday objects. The movement set out to break down the distinctions between "good" and "bad" taste. Most importantly it broke down the distinctions between fine art and commercial art.
The movement primarily started in America. The U.S. was in a time of economic prosperity due to the successes of World War II. When the soldiers came home, they started families. These families needed "stuff". The American boom of consumer goods led to an artistic response to the nation's new consumerist society. Besides America, the only other country that truly embraced this movement was Great Britain. Though in Britain the works were generally less garish, and more nostalgic in nature.
The movement had many notable artists. Richard Hamilton was considered to be the first to use the style. His seminal collage entitled "Just what is it that makes today's home so different, so appealing?" has a multitude of references to popular culture and consumerism. Jasper Johns was another main contributor to the movement. When most people think of Pop Art they tend to think of its two most successful artists. Andy Warhol who used the method of silkscreen printing, and Roy Lichtenstein whom used a painting style that mimicked comic book techniques.
Andrew Warhola, later changed to Warhol, was born in Pennsylvania in August of 1928. He attended college at the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh and graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree in pictorial design.   After graduation he moved to New York City to pursue his artistic... [continues]

Read full essay