Pop is back! On Tuesday evening April 9th, I attended the Acquavella
gallery opening of The Pop Object: The Still Life Tradition in Pop Art curated
by the renowned art historian John Wilmerding. The survey, accompanied by a
beautifully illustrated catalogue, includes more than 75 important works by
Dine, Indiana, Johns, Katz, Koons, Lichtenstein, Oldenburg, Segal, Thiebaud,
Warhol and Wesselmann. Various private collectors loaned works to this exhibition
as well as major institutions including the National Gallery, Wash DC, the Andy
Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, MoMA, New York, and MOCA, Los Angeles. It was a
treat to see all these delectable works together! Here are some of my
favorites: Rauschenberg's Coca-Cola Plan, 1958, Warhol's Coca Cola,
1962, Ed Ruscha's Lemon Drops, 1962, Oldenburg’s Pie a la Mode, 1962,
Thiebaud's Three Half Cakes, 1966, Rosenquist's Orange Field,
1964, Johns' Lightbulb, 1960 and High School Days, 1964 and
Koons' New Hoover Celebrity 111's, 1980. These works after more than 50 years maintain their freshness and punch!
Robert Rauschenberg, Coca-Cola Plan, 1958 @ Acquavella |
Pop continued the following evening at Moma's opening of Claes
Oldenburg: The Street and The Store, Claes Oldenburgh: Mouse Museum/Ray Gun
Wing. His first two major bodies
of work The Street, 1960 and The Store, 1961-64 are the essence
of the exhibition. “During this intensely productive period Oldenburg
redefined the relationship between painting and sculpture and between sculpture
and form.” Oldenburg is one of the most important artists of the 20th century. He
used materials around him in imaginative and amusing ways. His sense of
humor is seen throughout the show. His painted plaster sculptures
depict everyday objects. Pastry Case 1, 1961-62 from the Sidney and
Harriet Janis Collection is a prime example. Do not miss the Mouse
Museum/Ray Gun Wing.
Oldenburg at the age of 84 is one of the last surviving
giants of Pop Art!
Claes Oldenburg, Pastry Case, 1, 1961-62 @ MoMA |
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