Tate Introductions: Lichtenstein

by Nathan Dunne

Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997), contemporary of Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns, is one of the best-known and most accessible artists of the Pop generation. Taking much of his subject matter from comics and advertising, Lichtenstein produced large, rigorous, and highly stylized paintings. Challenged at the time on the originality of his work, Lichtenstein maintained that the purpose and presentation of his paintings made them more than just reproduction, although—with characteristic self-deprecating humor—he also argued that his paintings weren’t really important to art in general. Ultimately, Lichtenstein’s imagery remains as popular and important as it was 50 years ago, as this vibrant introduction to his life and work makes clear.

Genres: Art

80 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Nathan Dunne was born in Brisbane, Australia and grew up in India. After graduating from the University of Sydney with the University Medal, he studied art history at Cambridge University and received a PhD from Birkbeck College, University of London. He has lectured at Harvard and Yale, and also worked for several years at Tate Modern. As a journalist and critic, he has contributed to many publications, including The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Boston Globe, The Guardian, Slate and Artforum.

Reviews

[Drew Canole · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a comic fan, I kind of want to hate Lichtenstein. He just ripped off a few too many comic artists - got rich and famous - and the original artists that were the "inspiration" got no credit (and no money).

But, a lot of his paintings are super cool to look at. I'd like to see a few in person one day, I'm sure they're pretty impressive in full size.

Imagine guys like Jack Kirby dedicating some of their time to creating large oil paintings. That would have been amazing. Nearly every panel of Kirby looks as impressive as a Lichtenstein painting.

This book has a selection of some of his more popular works. Its not comprehensive by any means.

Here's a blog that shows which comics Lichtenstein stole from.
https://www.flickr.com/people/deconst...

In some ways the modern Lichtenstein is AI art.

[Kelley | Foxwood Press · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Lichtenstein, but the writing was average. Overall it was a great little condensed review of his work.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

good introduction to the life and work if Lichtenstein. quick read and only small so if you like could choose a more in depth book.