What Was Going on in History During Pop Art?

Art|Art History

Pop art began to emerge in Britain and the United States during the mid-1950s. It was a movement that sought to challenge traditional views of art, by exploring popular culture and consumerism.

The works of pop artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Jasper Johns combined elements of popular culture with fine art techniques. This combination was used to create works that were both visually stimulating and thought provoking.

The rise of pop art can be seen as a reaction to the social, political and cultural events taking place in the 1950s and 1960s. The post-war era saw a shift in values, with people becoming increasingly focused on materialism and consumerism.

Pop art explored this trend by taking everyday objects such as comic books, advertising slogans and mass-produced items, and elevating them to works of art. In doing so, pop artists sought to critique the ways in which society had become fixated on material goods.

Pop art also emerged at a time when abstract expressionism dominated the art world. Artists such as Jackson Pollock were creating highly expressive works that rejected traditional painting techniques.

Pop artists sought to challenge this movement by creating works that were bright, bold and accessible. By introducing elements of popular culture into their work, they sought to make art more accessible to a wider audience.

Conclusion:

Pop Art was a reaction to the social changes taking place during the 1950s and 1960s. It sought to challenge traditional views of art by exploring popular culture through bold visuals and thought-provoking content. Through their work, pop artists sought to critique society’s obsession with material goods while making their work more accessible for a wider audience.