Did French Pop Art Start?

Art|Pop Art

French pop art has a long and varied history, beginning with the 1950s, when the New Realism movement in France began to take shape. This movement had its roots in Dadaism and Surrealism, and was primarily concerned with depicting everyday objects in a new way. It combined elements of painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed-media works to create images that were often humorous or ironic.

The New Realists included artists such as Yves Klein, Arman, Jean Tinguely, Martial Raysse, Niki de Saint Phalle, and César. They challenged traditional concepts of beauty by creating works that were often strange or even grotesque. These artists sought to capture the spirit of popular culture in their work and this influence could be seen in the bright colors they often used as well as their playful use of everyday objects.

During this same period in France a new form of art began to emerge called Nouveau Réalisme. This artistic movement was focused on the exploration of consumer culture and its effects on society.

The artists involved sought to create works that commented on modern life and its associated problems such as pollution or commercialization. Some of the leading figures in this form of pop art included Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Daniel Spoerri, Jean Tinguely, Mimmo Rotella and Philippe Hiquily.

The 1960s saw a further development of French pop art with the emergence of Fluxus art which focused on performance art rather than painting or sculpture. The leading figures involved in this form of art included Yoko Ono and Nam June Paik who both had a major impact on the development of contemporary art in France as well as around the world.

French pop art has continued to evolve over time but it still retains many elements from its early days including bright colors, bold shapes and an emphasis on everyday objects being used to comment on modern life. While some may argue that French Pop Art started with New Realism or Nouveau Réalisme it is clear that many influences outside these movements have also had an impact on its development over time.

Conclusion:
It is clear that French Pop Art did indeed start with New Realism or Nouveau Réalisme but since then it has grown through various other influences over time resulting in the vibrant form we see today.