“Roy Lichtenstein and the Origins of Pop Art: The Most Modern Art” Webinar

By John Freeman on June 5, 2021

Why has Pop Art – a movement initially ridiculed by art critics and historians – outlasted them all to become, arguably, modern art’s most “modern” art?

And why is it that the works of the premier American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein – described by LIFE magazine in 1963 as the “Worst Artist in the U.S.” – continue to elicit strong reactions from both his fans and his detractors – who include Watchmen artist Dave Gibbons – almost 60 years later?

*Whaam! by Roy Lichtenstein. © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein* – *based on Irv Novick’s artwork in the story ‘The Star Jockey!’ in Issue 89 of DC Comics All American Men Of War*

Join New York Adventure Club as they explore the history of Pop Art, and, with a focus on those from Lichtenstein, analyse the foundational works and artists that have come to define its style.

Led by comic book-style illustrator and pop culture historian Arlen Schumer (author/designer, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art), the Club says this virtual deep dive will make you look at Pop Art, and the works of Lichtenstein, as if seeing them for the first time.

*Detail of Roy Lichtenstein’s Crying Girl (Corlett II.1), 1963*

This virtual event will include a discussion of the definition of Pop Art: the idea that everyday objects, motifs, and ideas from our commercial culture could be legitimate areas of artistic study and exploration. It will also look at the origins of the Pop Art movement, and how its signature look of bold primary colors, oversized printing dots, and graphic faces and heroic figures took shape; the significant role Andy Warhol played in Roy Lichtenstein’s early career breakthrough; why Mel Ramos deserves the very criticism that’s always been leveled at Lichtenstein; and how works by Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, and James Rosenquist fit in Pop Art’s story.

Afterward, there will be a Q&A with Arlen – and any and all questions about Pop Art are welcomed and encouraged.

Less than 100 tickets are still available for this event.

Arlen Schumer is a Westport, Connecticut-based illustrator, writer, graphic designer and lecturer. Schumer specializes in bold, graphic comic book-style art that has appeared in numerous publications, in advertising, and in a wide array of commercial and promotional materials. Schumer is a passionate champion of comic art; in addition to creating a definitive book, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art, he regularly gives an ongoing series of lectures on comic book artists and history.

• Roy Lichtenstein and the Origins of Pop Art: The Most Modern Art Webinar 7.00pm Monday 7th June 2021 EST (12am – 1.30pm BST Tuesday 8th June 2021 in the UK) | Tickets $10 – Book your ticket here

Can’t make it live? A ticket allows you to watch a recording of the webinar for up to a week after

• Lofty: The Top 10 Things to Know About Roy Lichtenstein

ALSO ON DOWNTHETUBES

• Dave Gibbons ‘Whaat’ art challenges Lichtenstein’s dubious ‘legacy’

In 2013, Watchmen artist and co-creator Dave Gibbons was interviewed about the Pop Art painting ‘WHAAM!’ by Roy Lichtenstein

• Whaam! : The Aeronautical Perspective by Jeremy Briggs

While comics fans can look at this Lichtenstein work and get annoyed at the perceived injustice of the piece, Jeremy looks at it from another perspective, an aeronautical perspective. Unfortunately for the pro-Lichtenstein lobby, from this perspective, ‘Whaam!’ simply makes no sense…

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.