拍品专文
Standing Explosion is one of the earliest of Roy Lichtenstein's sculptures. The explosion series was made in a variety of three-dimensional forms such as small table tops, wall reliefs and the larger free standing sculptures. Executed in 1965 this work is one from an edition of six in which each sculpture was individually painted and is therefore considered a unique variation. Although each sculpture was hand painted, they retain the commercial and mechanical feel that makes them purely Pop.
Standing Explosion consists of cut sheets of metal covered with enamel paint. Waldman describes, "The resolutely hard finish of the enamels offered a way of controverting illusionism that he could not accomplis with paint. The reflecting qualities of the surface only served to further this end. With enamel, Lichtenstein accomplished two objectives: he reinforced the look of mechanical perfection that paint could only simulate but not duplicate and it provided a perfect opportunity to make an ephemeral form more concrete." (D. Waldman, Roy Lichtenstein, London 1971, p. 23)
The image of the explosion itself is the quintessential symbol of Pop Art. In many ways, it defines the Pop movement's sense of energy and newness. Standing Explosion is part of a rare group of work that relates to the artist's well-known painting Varoom (Private Collection, United States) created in 1963, and relates to Lichtenstein's action packed series of war paintings made at the same time.
Lichtenstein defined art as reproduction. Throughout his career he recreated the works of the modern masters in his own unique style. Standing Explosion is self-referential as it marks the first time Lichtenstein appropriates his own work, transforming an idea from one medium to another. Throughout his career he continuously referred to earlier works, illustrated in his bronze sculptures Mirror II and Goldfish Bowl II begun in 1977.
Standing Explosion consists of cut sheets of metal covered with enamel paint. Waldman describes, "The resolutely hard finish of the enamels offered a way of controverting illusionism that he could not accomplis with paint. The reflecting qualities of the surface only served to further this end. With enamel, Lichtenstein accomplished two objectives: he reinforced the look of mechanical perfection that paint could only simulate but not duplicate and it provided a perfect opportunity to make an ephemeral form more concrete." (D. Waldman, Roy Lichtenstein, London 1971, p. 23)
The image of the explosion itself is the quintessential symbol of Pop Art. In many ways, it defines the Pop movement's sense of energy and newness. Standing Explosion is part of a rare group of work that relates to the artist's well-known painting Varoom (Private Collection, United States) created in 1963, and relates to Lichtenstein's action packed series of war paintings made at the same time.
Lichtenstein defined art as reproduction. Throughout his career he recreated the works of the modern masters in his own unique style. Standing Explosion is self-referential as it marks the first time Lichtenstein appropriates his own work, transforming an idea from one medium to another. Throughout his career he continuously referred to earlier works, illustrated in his bronze sculptures Mirror II and Goldfish Bowl II begun in 1977.