Pop to Popism

Leaping off the whitewashed walls in an exuberant rainbow of colours and design, Pop to Popism is a thrilling ride through the annals of an art revolution.

The straight red lines and golden lettering of Warhol’s soup cans is matched only by the vibrancy of his magnificent Marilyn Monroe. The latter a piece that has been reproduced in countless books and billboards which cannot capture the sheer enthusiasm of the original.

For these works are not only familiar they are witty, wry and funny. Lichtenstein’s, Look Mickey, is a twisted colourful take on the ubiquitous mouse, whilst his distressed female characters have been the prototype of advertisements and anime.
And the Australians are here too. Little known in context of the pop movement, but for the first time presented next to their North American and European contemporaries.

The swirling reds and oranges of Brett Whitely give way to Martin Sharp’s and Tim Lewis’ Still life, a parody mashup of Warhol and Van Gough. The Australian contribution in no way suffers by sharing walls with their foreign cousins, they seem equal members of a family which had no fear.

Pop to Popism is a heart racing roller coaster of visual stimulation and intellectual provocation. Above all it’s fun, insouciant and a stunning record of the themes which underpin much of modern creative experience. (LR)

Until Mar 1, Art Gallery of NSW, $10-20, artgallery.nsw.gov/exhibitions/pop-to-popism