From British Pop Art to American Pop Art

Pop Art developed around 1947 to 1969 in Great Britain. It was part of a period nicknamed the "Swinging Sixties," which saw a cultural revolution and the women's liberation movement. London became a true cultural hub, whether in the realm of fashion (Mary Quant, Twiggy, etc.), music (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones), or art. 

The Independent Group is at the origin of this artistic freedom and the name given to it. It brought together art critics, architectural artists, and writers from the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in London, who created their group in 1952.

The term "Pop Art" is a diminutive of "popular art." This ideological, social, and artistic movement developed in the post-war period, just like Abstract Expressionism. Both movements are characterized by bright colors. However, Pop Art, hence its name, is inspired by consumer society and mass media. Popular products or celebrities are represented or highlighted in colorful creations and collages. A sort of confrontation appears between what is called "High culture" and "Low culture." The term High culture refers in particular to the Fine Arts, anything that relates to knowledge of the arts, to classical know-how and knowledge of art, while what is referred to as Low culture refers to more popular cultural forms.

Some essential artists of British Pop Art 

• Eduardo Paolozzi (1924-2005)

This work is the first to include the word “Pop.” The artist cut out American and British newspapers and juxtaposed them.

• Pauline Boty (1938-1966)

The artist is a young, committed feminist. She draws inspiration from Marilyn Monroe. Depicted here, she is highlighted as the "only" blonde in the world, sporting an expressive smile. However, the frame provided by the abstract shapes, as if we were seeing the woman through a door, induces a form of confinement.

• David Hockney (1937- ...)

The British artist, now based in the United States, regularly depicts Californian swimming pools and the human trace of a dive, or even a person swimming in a pool. The swimming pool, a symbol of consumer society, is highlighted using bright colors.

Pop Art developed rapidly across the Atlantic towards the end of the 1950s. American artists adapted their subjects to the country's consumerism and also to popular celebrities. This crossover allowed the movement to internationalize. Japanese artist Keiichi Tanaami (1936-...), for example, produced mainly war-related subjects. 

Some essential artists of American Pop Art 

• Jasper Johns (1930-...)

The artist's theme demonstrates the adaptation of themes represented in the United States. The American flag, one of the largest emblems of civilization, is revisited here. The use of wax and the threefold reduction of the motif gives an impression of an inverted perspective and references the collage frequently used in Pop Art.

• Robert Indiana (1928-2018)

This artist is known for his peace-oriented creations, such as his LOVE series. Here, he draws inspiration from everyday American objects like road signs and pinball machines. It's a reflection on the superficiality of American images. 

• Andy Warhol (1928-1987)

Warhol is often referred to as the leader of Pop Art, although he was not one of its precursors. He is particularly known for his stylized depictions of the famous Marilyn Monroe and his representations of Campbell's soup cans and Coca-Cola bottles.

In one of his quotes, Richard Hamilton, one of the most notable artists of British Pop Art, summarizes the philosophy and interests of Pop Art. He describes the movement as follows: "Pop Art is: popular, ephemeral, disposable, cheap, mass-produced, young, witty, sexy, gimmicky, glamorous, and big business." - Richard Hamilton 

Take advantage of the summer to (re)discover the great artistic movements on Museum TV. Every evening in July and August, immerse yourself in the world of your favorite artists.

Fridays, from 6pm onwards on Museum TV and replayed on our video-on-demand platform, you'll have no more secrets about the movement!