We have been looking at some of the great Modernist art movements (for example, Cezanne, the Abstract Expressionists, Constructivism: all of these are Modernist movements). But the 20th century also saw the development of a rival movement: Pop Art. Pop art presents an idea of art that in many ways is opposed to Modernist art. Although the modernists had many conflicting ideas, they all pretty much agreed on one thing: art is not pop; it cannot be commercial. In more recent times, one could argue that whereas the values of Modernism are dead, the values of pop art continue to influence contemporary artists. In this assignment, you will explore pop art, and then contrast it to the spirit of Modernism.
Part 1.
Drawing on Gompertz, but using your own words, give an account of pop art, its ideas and styles. Make sure to provide an example or two of pop art.
Part 2.
Explain how pop art presents an idea of art that challenges some of the core values shared by the Modernists. Gompertz can help you with the last point, but you can also refer to what you learned about Modernism in some of the previous units. In fact, it might be hard to do this assignment without at least some recollection of the ideas of Modernism.
Lastly, provide a personal reflection on the following question: do you prefer the pop art idea of art, or the Modernist idea of art? Give reasons for your position