POP ART

What is Pop Art and where did it begin?

In order to answer these questions you should listen to the explanation on the videocast below. The document lasts about ten minutes but gives a very clear definition of Pop Art as well as examples of some of the most well known artists of this school of thought. ( Go to 2.30-3.30 then from 5-5.50)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IxcJsXyWtQ

I am sure you understood the same thing as I did? That is to say that the term Pop Art is an abbreviation of popular art which focuses on the mass media, comics and consumer products. It puts everyday products and actions on the same level as the unique and by so doing narrows the gulf between 'high' art and 'low art' .

This art form began in Great Britain after World War Two and displayed the optimism felt by the masses no longer having to use ration books but being able to consume . The consumer boom exploded and the Pop Culture connected with the youth of the 1950s and early 60s and the image of the fashionable and hip London scene crossed the Atlantic to America. Almost anybody or anything could become 'Pop Art' .



Just look at these paintings below to understand what I mean as well as those on the right.


You should try to find out who did these different paintings and imagine why they chose such subjects!

Then there are those of the comic strip style:

As you can see you can even make them into a story!

Other artists favour repetition :

So as to clarify your thoughts about Pop Art and the differences with what came before try the following treasure hunt on the net :

http://academics.uww.edu/cni/webquest/Fall02/popart/page1.htm

This quiz is extremely interesting and informative so if you have the time go ahead and try it.

Not everyone liked or really understood it even though they were inspired by it. Here is a song by a famous pop artist himself , David Bowie entitled Andy Warhol. What do you think his opinion was? How did he help Warhol by singing about him ?

You can also look carefully at the videocast at the address below and try to find out who the singers are as well as talking about the types of images used to illustrate and accompany their song. You can perhaps likewise think about the relationship between music and art . Who profited by it ? In what way? What does this tell us about the society of the time?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avfGUEDMWZY

Well I hope that has helped you to understand Pop Art a bit more and the society in which it was created. .