Roy Lichtenstein (Printmaking)

Roy Lichtenstein is one of my all time favourite artists, and one of my biggest influences from the field of modern and fine art.  His style has affected my work in a large way, and it felt on natural to look at his printmaking for this assignment.  The American Pop artist was born October 27th 1923 and worked on art throughout his life before dying in 1997.  His work created a great deal of controversy as it broke new ground in the art scene.


Sandwich and a Soda, from 1964 is an image that I feel all of us are familiar with.  The colour choice, style and imagery makes us all think of fast food chains and large brands, such as Pepsi and KFC.  A comment on consumerism and capitalism, this was not uncommon territory for Lichtenstein.  A simple graphic design using Screenprint, I always love clean clear lines and design.  Something Lichtenstein excels in.


Brushstrokes from 1967 is also a screenprint.  This one is a further development to his work and pop art style, utilising the Ben-Day dots he'd become famous for, as well as vibrant colour and thick black lines.  It follows the stroke of a brush, which Lichtenstein used to parody abstract art, mocking it for it's pretentious nature.  Lichtenstein's view on the world of modern art is one I appreciate, his sense of humour something I relate to. 

I find it hard to tell the difference between Lichtenstein's paintings and his printmaking, which I feel is a testament to his use of the media.  I love the simplicity of his work.  Compared to detailed and complicated artworks of the time before him, it completely changed how I personally viewed art and what I expected art to be.  He was definitely my entry point into the world of art.

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