The Roy Lichtenstein exhibition has been running since Thursday 21st February and will continue showing until Monday 27th May 2013 at The Tate Modern. Bringing together 125 pieces of artwork, the show not only includes his instantly recognisable comic book style canvases, but also many of his later works which he is less known for.
You are certainly in for a treat with this full show of the master of Pop Art, as the galleries of the Tate Modern are filled with some of the most iconic artworks from the 1960s. Renowned for his take on the comic strip style, painted by hand and filled with his signature dots, this retrospective is certain to be another big hit for the Tate following on from the major show by contemporary British artist Damien Hirst in 2012.
Some of the most popular works showing at the exhibition are those iconic classic Pop Art pieces, such as Whaam! and Drowning Girl. With their stark primary colours and thick black outlines, pieces such as these became synonymous with Lichtenstein's ongoing examination of originality in the '60s mass media culture. Many of his works were created using a wide range of media, with paintings on Rowlux and steel, sculptures in ceramic and brass, which are included in the exhibition, alongside much unseen work, such as drawings, collages and other works on paper.
Early Pop Art pieces such as depictions of everyday objects in greyscale are also on show, alongside his later works, many of which show a marked change of direction. Showcasing his engagement with Futurism, Surrealism and German Expressionism, visitors can also see his series of female nudes and some Chinese landscapes, many of which have not been seen alongside his more iconic and renowned pieces.
The Roy Lichtenstein exhibition London show is the first major retrospective to take place in around 20 years and is certain to be the centre of the art world's attention for its duration, due to his status as one of the central figures of the classic American Pop Art movement. Having studied art in Ohio, and taught in both New York and New Jersey, Lichtenstein first rose to prominence in 1962 with a show at Castelli Gallery in 1962.
His work is currently on show in various different major galleries around the world, with key pieces held at The Tate, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. Make sure you don’t miss out!