Modern Art

ROY LICHTENSTEIN-“WHAAM!”

1. To what school and time period does this work of art belong?

            1950s and 1960s

2. Briefly describe the artist’s aesthetic methods and choices: color, line, composition, brushwork, etc.

 Cartoon-like painting method with acrylic oil. Thick lines, large detail.

 3. Speculate on the image’s larger cultural meanings and uses.  Does it celebrate certain ideals or a particular worldview?  Does it challenge conventional ways of thinking about its subject matter?

 This is a painting having to do with planes in the war. Lichtenstein wanted to show that a violent and emotionally charged subject could be conveyed using a detached, somewhat mechanical technique.

 4. Finally, relate something interesting you learned about the artist or the piece from listening to the audio guide.

 The way Lichtenstein painted he wanted the viewers to be able to decipher their own meaning from his work, this is why he used his stylized technique.

 **ANDY WARHOL-“MARILYN DIPTYCH”

1. To what school and time period does this work of art belong?

              1962

2. Briefly describe the artist’s aesthetic methods and choices: color, line, composition, brushwork, etc.

Silkscreening, very bright colors contrasting with black and white palette.

3. Speculate on the image’s larger cultural meanings and uses.  Does it celebrate certain ideals or a particular worldview?  Does it challenge conventional ways of thinking about its subject matter?

 This was made to show the ubiquitous presence of the media. The two main concepts are death and the cult of celebrity. This was made soon after Marilyn Monroe’s death but demonstrated her past presence in the world and media.

 4. Finally, relate something interesting you learned about the artist or the

piece from listening to the audio guide.

I found it interesting that the contrasting colors to the fading black and white is symbolic of Marilyn’s fade to mortality. Warhol had more meaning behind his work than people initially saw.

Visiting the Tate Modern was an interesting experience. I was surprised at how much of the art I actually liked considering I have never been a big fan of modern art. One thing I enjoyed about each of these paintings is the bright colors and the way they capture your attention. Although I'm not sure three vacuums lined up over a flourescent light should truly be considered art, I did enjoy other pieces in the museum.