Roy Lichtenstein

Biography

Known for his interpretation of the subjects and commercial style of cartoons and advertising, Lichtenstein launched the Pop Art movement of the 1960's by bringing popular culture into fine art. He initially took his subject matter from True Romance and Adventure comics, as well as the Yellow Pages. His bold outlines, vivid colors, stylized forms and signature Benday dots simulated mechanical reproduction techniques.

Born in New York in 1923, he studied under Reginald Marsh at the Art Students League in New York, before completing his Master's degree at Ohio State University. Back in New York, he worked as a commercial artist and designer and did display work for shop windows. His paintings and drawings at this time were parodies of American art of the 1920's. His one-man exhibit at the influential Leo Castelli Gallery in 1965 helped establish his position as one of the founders of Pop Art. There have been many retrospective shows of his work, one of which toured the USA, Europe and Japan in 1981. His wry personality seemed to be reflected in his humorous appropriation of "low-art" subjects.