Tuesday, 12 March 2013

Roy Lichtenstein

Today I attended the Roy Lichtenstein exhibition at the Tate Modern in London. I'm an avid believer that it can never be a bad thing to experience things you are unsure of or may not particularly enjoy (at least, when it comes to art any way) as I like to keep an open mind and don't "knock it" before I try whatever it is. "It" in this case, Lichtenstein's art, did not originally appeal to me as his graphic-like canvases are - in texture and technique - simpler than the art I tend to enjoy.


However, I was pleasantly surprised to see such a variety of his work displayed throughout the exhibition. Ceramics dotted in primary colour and glamorous brass sculptures - two things I was most definitely not expecting. And in addition to this, the size of the canvases he produced was just spectacular. 'Interior with Waterlilies' was particularly illuminating; it was such a large canvas and incredibly bright, I actually had to squint a little when I saw it.

Some of Lichtenstein's experimentation with brush strokes and line drawings were also displayed, which I loved instantly. Quite a few of his paintings resembled Cubism (Lichtenstein openly admired Picasso as an artist) which I was instantly drawn to. 'Reflections on Interior with a Girl Drawing' I liked especially, but was most disappointed when I couldn't find a postcard of it. 

Lichtenstein's black and white collection was rather interesting as the form of the compositions became prominent and I thought his take on Chinese art was lovely. 

I didn't think I would be as drawn into the exhibition as I was; needless to say, I am glad I went. Details on the exhibition here for anyone who might be interested.

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