Who Started Pop Art in Britain?

Art|Pop Art

Pop Art is an art movement that started in Britain and the US during the mid-20th century. It was a reaction against traditional fine art styles and focused on popular culture, mass media, and consumer goods.

Pop Art was heavily influenced by popular culture and the technology of the time, such as television and radio. The movement also embraced aspects of Dadaism, which was an anti-establishment art movement that had developed in Europe during World War I.

Pop Art in Britain was spearheaded by a group of artists known as the ‘Independent Group’ who met at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London between 1952 and 1955. This group included Richard Hamilton, Eduardo Paolozzi, Peter Blake and others who were drawn to the idea of creating art that was based on popular culture rather than traditional fine art styles.

The Independent Group held exhibitions throughout Britain featuring their work along with works of other artists who had similar interests. This included American Pop Artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. These exhibitions helped to spread the ideas behind Pop Art across both countries.

Richard Hamilton is widely credited as being the founder of Pop Art in Britain. His 1956 collage titled Just What Is It That Makes Today’s Home So Different, So Appealing?, which featured images from popular media, is often credited for being one of the first works to embody many of the ideas behind Pop Art.

The influence of British Pop Art can still be seen today in contemporary art movements such as Postmodernism and Neo-Pop Art. Its influence on society has been profound; from its embrace of popular culture to its critique of consumerism.

In conclusion, it can be said that British Pop Art was founded by Richard Hamilton and his fellow members of the Independent Group who met at ICA in London during 1952 – 1955. Their work helped to spread this new art movement throughout both Britain and America, where it has had a lasting impact on modern art.