Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein was a master of appropriation. Applying a systematic approach to his creative energy, the artist’s entire body of work was constructed following a sophisticated strategy of image selection, reinterpretation and reissue. Lichtenstein developed a central creative principle that became a potent formula: an ability to identify over-used cultural clichés and to repackage them as monumental remixes.

Roy Lichtenstein: Pop remix traces the artist’s print projects from the 1950s to the 1990s, exploring how the artist appropriated, transformed and remixed numerous art historical sources including Claude Monet’s Impressionism, Max Ernst’s Surrealism and de Kooning’s Abstract Expressionism. Lichtenstein reinterpreted the work of these artistic giants and significant art movements using an instantly recognisable graphic aesthetic, effectively branding himself with a signature Lichtenstein look to secure his place alongside those masters he so admired. Slick, intelligent and humorous, Lichtenstein’s remixes of romance and war comics, brushstrokes and nude girls are among the best known Pop prints.

Roy Lichtenstein: Pop remix is drawn from the extensive collection of the artist’s prints at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.

Curator: Jaklyn Babington, Curator International Prints, Drawings and Illustrated Books

The National Gallery of Australia acknowledges funding support from the Visions of Australia, an Australian Government Program supporting touring exhibitions by providing funding assistance for the development and touring of cultural material across Australia and National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians. Generously supported by cultural partners Molonglo, New Acton/Nishi and special media partner ABC Local Radio.

Touring Dates and Venues

• Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, VIC | 19 April – 11 June 2012
• QUT Art Museum, QLD | 29 June – 26 August 2012
• Araluen Arts Centre, NT | 26 April – 10 June 2013