Pop Art and design emerged in the fifties (in the mid-1950 s in Britain and the late 1950s in the United States) and remained relevant up to the present day.
The movement began as a group of artists (painters, sculptors, writers, thinkers…) called – the Independent Group.
Although the movement first emerged in Britain in the fifties, it gained major momentum throughout the sixties in the United States.
Origins of Pop Art are in Neo-dadaism, and Abstract Expressionism, the leading movements that preceded it. Much of the movement’s roots were prompted by a desired cultural revolution led by activists who aimed to restructure a social order ruled by conformity and consumerism.
“Pop art is: Popular (designed for a mass audience), Transient (short-term solution), Expendable (easily forgotten), Low cost, Mass produced, Young (aimed at youth), Witty, Sexy, Gimmicky, Glamorous, Big business”, U.K. Pop pioneer Richard Hamilton.
Pop art represented a radical departure from “high art”. The main idea was that art can be born from any source, even everyday objects.
The hierarchy of culture was rejected, and the post-war boom, mass media and production, consumerism, pop music, and product design influenced the movement.
It was the perfect moment for popular culture and consumerism to conquer and democratize art. Irony and humor were one of the main components of the movement. The elite approach was rejected, so artists often challenged the social standards of mainstream culture.
Artists who defined the movement are Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, David Hockney…
Pop Art and Interior Design
Interior design influenced by Pop Art is bright colored, emotional, and energetic. In Pop Art everything can be used in the interior, just like in the windows of supermarkets. Everything is available and everything is for sale. The most recognizable details are images of popular consumer products presented as works of art.
Contrasting colors of plastic, synthetic fibers, random objects of catchy or ridiculous form could be found in Pop Art interiors.
Pop Art is easily recognizable due to its posters, bright colors, irony, and mixed media.
Pop Art is one of the most well-known artistic developments of the 20th century and its influence remains indispensable today. It is an essential part of modern interior design.
imagе: Unsplash, Enzo Tommasi
