Art 343: Modern European ArtEnglish Pop Art |
| Professor Michelli |
In the absence of materials in our library, we'll use the web to generate interesting information about Pop Art, remembering that the invention and name were both British.
It is important to see Pop art as part of a very particular society, and at a particular stage in the development of the Quietist paradigm. The trauma of discovering ourselves to be animals in a mechanical hell of our own making was pretty much past, but the issue remained important and had reached a horrendous climax in two World Wars, and two Atom bombs. All this remained in living memory - and in many cases in physical memory too, and was further kept alive by the continuation of rationing until 1954.
Further, the benefits of the industrial revolution were now stronger than the drawbacks, with good quality designs and stable jobs, and the beginnings of economic boom. At the same time, however, the environmental impact of the industrial age was beginning to be realized by a few individuals, and made a dramatic entry to public awareness with the publication of "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson. Thus the source of our newfound comfort, security and wealth was also a terrifying threat to our continued survival. Consumer economics, much espoused in England and America was a double-edged sword and a powerful enemy.
Now here are some links to get you started. If you need extra credit, find some more, and contribute your discoveries about the the Pop art phenomenon.
Useful start and context, and be sure to click on the link to David Hockney, one of the founders of Pop Art.
Pop Art on Eastern Counties Network
An interesting site with many useful links. I've started you on the introduction, check out also the History link, and the links to the various artists - with pictures. Check out especially Peter Blake.
Pop Art: An Analysis of English and American Styles
Useful, with lots of pics, including a Richard Hamilton can of soup pre-dating Warhol. Check it out!
Here is a link to Ron Kitaj - American born, but resident in England.
Now here you have some sites, and the names of some key British Pop artists. There is much more to find out. Go to the syllabus or review page and find out about those album covers! Go the the Art History Browser and find out about Psychedelic Art! See what you can find about Happenings. Remember, it looks spoofy, and some of it is. But it is also an important stage in the development of the Quietist Paradigm. What are these artists trying to make us do?