When most people think about Pop art, Andy Warhol and soup cans come to mind. As one of the most iconic artists in the Pop art movement, his name has become a common association. Unknown to most people, however, are a whole list of other artists who have contributed their own works to the movement. The staff of the Brush Art Gallery, in an attempt to make artwork more accessible for teaching purposes through permanent installments, has created one of Pop art works. POP ART! Highlights from the Permanent Collection does just what the title says. It includes some of the most prominent works from the movement that swept the United States and Great Britain during the 1960s and ’70s. Having opened on October 22, this exhibition will continue to run until December 12.
Artists of the Pop art movement aimed to blur the boundaries between “high” art and “low” culture, in other words showing that art can borrow from any source and there is no hierarchy of culture. Pop art was emotionally removed and embraced the post-WWII manufacturing and media boom. The works in the exhibition on campus contain a range of objects that fall into these categories, containing tools, musical instruments, soup cans and wristwatches. Some of the works even feature important political figures and historical monuments. With most of the artists’ careers beginning in commercial art, it is not surprising that that their works are consistent with mass culture.
Featuring the common Pop artists, the exhibition also features some that are not as well known. With obvious pieces from Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Claes Oldenburg, the permanent installation also showcases works from those Pop artists not featured in middle school art classes. Jim Dine and his piece Midsummer Wall are featured, along with pieces from Robert Indiana who is famous for 2D painting forms similar to his ‘LOVE’ sculptures in New York City and Philadelphia.
Other artists featured include David Hockney, Jasper Johns, Larry Rivers, and Joe Tilson. Curious about what other artists and their works are apart of the POP ART! Highlights from the Permanent Collection? Then head on over to the Brush Gallery. The Gallery is open Monday-Thursday 12-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 12-5 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. There is no admission fee and the Gallery is right on campus so there is no excuse not to swing by and see the collection! Take a break, grab a few friends and head over to take in the art and free your mind.