Pop for the People: Lichtenstein in L.A.

There are a handful of artists whose work connects with audiences across generations. The ability to transcend trends and produce artwork that is timeless while still exciting is difficult, ever proving why we should highlight those who attain this goal. Roy Lichtenstein is one of those artists. Lichtenstein rose to popularity in the 1960s at the height of the Pop Art movement. His comic book stylization of daily life became his trademark and helped give legitimacy to graphic and cartoon artistry.

The Skirball Center compiled a show featuring pieces from Lichtenstein's career that were collected by Angelenos and prints produced by Gemini G.E.L. print house. Gemini G.E.L. is a prominent fine art printing firm located in Los Angeles that produced many prints for the artist to sell in mass quantity. These prints became valuable over time as the firm gained prominence in the Los Angeles Contemporary Art world. The contributions from Gemini help to round out the show with pieces of all origins.

Gemini G.E.L Print of Blonde from the Surrealist Series, 1978 — Gemini G.E.L Print of *Blonde* from the *Surrealist* Series, 1978

The original pieces that are included in the show encompass the many phases of Lichtenstein's career. The oldest works in the show predate the artist's world renowned use of 'benday' dots. These pieces show the development of his style that evolved over the next forty years. Examples of his classic comic book style are abundant in the show. Some of my personal favorites (unsurprisingly) are from Lichtenstein's 'Interiors' series. The pieces depict simple scenes of living rooms and housing interiors painted in his signature style. Unbeknownst to be me, Lichtenstein also collaborated with many decorative art houses to create fine china and even clothing.

Ten Dollar Bill, 1956 courtesy of the Estate of Roy Lichtenstein — *Ten Dollar Bill*, 1956 courtesy of the Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

The exhibition's pièce de résistance is the interactive recreation of Vincent Van Gogh's Bedroom at Arles designed using Lichtenstein's benday dot technique. The room brings to life Lichtenstein's version of the French classic by incorporating furnishings that the visitor can sit on and touch. As a museum employee, it was nice to see a part of an exhibit where you are allowed to touch and feel as a way of understanding an artwork.

Bedroom at Arles Recreation — *Bedroom at Arles* Recreation

Pop for the People: Lichtenstein in L.A. will be open at The Skirball Center until March 12th.

Cheers,

Hugh