Pop art has been enjoying a boom in the UK and later in the USA in the middle of the past century. This art movement emerged to undermine the well-established esthetic values and traditions of high-end art and became a real game-changer. Yet, not all art lovers know much about its sources and origins. Here is a brief overview of the top 5 facts about pop art that can make you more knowledgeable in this area.

Top 5 Facts about Pop Art You Might Not Know

Pop art is traditionally associated with the names of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Claes Oldenburg, among others. Many relate it to mass production techniques and advertising icons, such as soup cans and Coca-Cola bottles. However, there is so much more hidden in the complex fabric of this art movement.

#1 Not Exactly Pop Art

The first names of this art movement included Propaganda Art and Neo-Dada, with the ‘pop art’ term emerging only in 1958. The author of this concept was Lawrence Alloway, who saw the art stream’s connection to popular culture.

#2 The Political Dimension of Pop Art

Many pop artists included political criticism messages in their work. Bright examples of politically aware creatives are Eduardo Paolozzi and Andy Warhol, who explored important social issues.

#3 Pop Art in Furniture and Fashion

Some limit pop art to paintings and other fine art objects only. Yet, there was a massive trend of pop art-inspired furniture and designs, with the brightest examples of Laes Oldenburg as the creator of hamburger sculptures and Philip Colbert’s pop art prints in fashion collections.

#4 Pop Art and the IG

Since pop art initially originated in the UK, it inevitably experienced the influence of British art movements and groups of those times, including the Independent Group (IG). The IG was founded in 1952 and included artists, designers, and famous art critics, such as Richard Hamilton and Eduardo Paolozzi. Their fascination with technology and the impacts of consumer culture laid the basis for the underlying pop art philosophy.

#5 Japan’s Pop Art Movement

Pop art is traditionally associated with the UK and the USA, but Asian countries had their own pop art movements as well. A bright example is Japan where pop art also flourished in the 1960s, blending traditional Japanese esthetics with Western consumer icons and images.

With these 5 facts about pop art, you’re sure to understand this art movement better. There’s always so much exciting and interesting to learn about artists and art directions. Stay tuned for our news and revelations about the art world!