Pop Art, an art movement that originated in the 1950s, has become an iconic style in the UK. The term “pop art” was first used by British artist Richard Hamilton in a 1955 essay to describe the increasing prevalence of popular culture in fine art. Hamilton’s work was heavily influenced by American Pop Art, notably the work of Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol.
Pop Art was seen as a radical and subversive reaction to traditional forms of art at a time when abstract expressionism had become the dominant school of painting. In the UK, pop art was embraced by artists such as Peter Blake, David Hockney, and Derek Boshier.
Blake’s 1962 painting “Just What Is It That Makes Today’s Homes So Different, So Appealing?” is one of the most iconic images of Pop Art in Britain.
Hockney also made significant contributions to British Pop Art with his meticulously detailed paintings inspired by his experience living in Los Angeles. His works were characterized by bright colors and bold patterns that featured everyday objects like cars and swimming pools. Derek Boshier’s works explored themes such as consumerism and mass media while also incorporating elements from pop culture such as comic books and advertising imagery.
The influence of American Pop Art can be seen throughout British Pop Art which helped to bring it into mainstream culture in the UK. While many of these artists had their own distinct styles, together they helped to create a vibrant movement that continues to inspire new generations of artists today.
In conclusion, it is clear that Richard Hamilton was one of the pioneers who helped to bring Pop Art into mainstream culture in the UK. His essay on popular culture laid out many of its core principles which laid down a foundation for other British artists like Peter Blake, David Hockney, and Derek Boshier to build upon. He is thus credited with starting Pop Art in Britain.