A special exhibition on the theme of "Pop Art" is being held at London's Barbican Art Gallery. It runs until February 9th.
Pop Art is an artistic movement that emerged mainly in the United States and Britain after the war from the 1950s to the 1970s. This movement, which originated in London, was coined "Pop Art" by British artist Richard Hamilton. Artists and designers expressed the cultural identity of the time, drawing on the era's rapid advances in mass production and consumption, the rise of popular culture, and technological advances.
This exhibition traces the history of Pop Art 50 years after its heyday from both the art and design perspectives. According to senior curator Jane Alison, the decision to hold the exhibition was made in response to growing interest in Pop Art in Europe and the United States in recent years.
The exhibition features approximately 200 works by more than 70 artists and designers. The exhibition begins with paintings depicting symbols of new lifestyles, such as "I Love You with My Ford" (1961) by James Rosenquist, a leading proponent of pop art. It also features commercial advertisements by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, paintings by Richard Hamilton, and furniture designed by Gaetano Pesce, all presented alongside explanations of the historical context. During the exhibition, talks with artists are also held. On November 27, Italian artist and designer Gaetano Pesce took the stage. Known for his critical observations of postwar culture and his succession of furniture designs that combine practicality with social satire, Pesce's work "La Mamma Donna" (1969), a red sofa depicting a woman's body tethered to leads, is featured. The piece expresses the inequality and limitations faced by women at the time.
The gallery is located within the Barbican Centre in East London. The Barbican Centre is Europe's largest multi-purpose arts venue, featuring art, music, theater, and lecture halls.
[Event Information]
"Pop Art Design"
Venue: Barbican Art Gallery
Address: Barbican Centre Silk Street London EC2Y 8DS
Dates: October 22, 2013 - February 9, 2014
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (until 9:00 PM on Thursdays and Fridays)
Admission: £12 (general admission)
