An exhibition of American pop art opens in southern Seoul

An exhibition of American pop art, titled “Hi, POP- Art in the streets,” opens today at the M Contemporary Art Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

The exhibition is the largest of its kind in Korea, featuring some 160 pieces from five leading U.S. pop artists: Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Indiana and Keith Haring.

Pop art, which derives from the word “popular,” is an art trend that was created under the influences of advertisement and other sources of popular media and initiated by British artist Richard Hamilton in the 1950s. Though originated in Britain, pop art flourished in New York in the 1960s. Inspired by billboards and cartoons popular in the United States at that time, celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, famous brands including Kellogg and Campbell also appeared on gallery walls. It was reflective of the cultural environment that represented mass production and Hollywood star idolism.

The exhibition introduces the footprints of popular, democratic, witty and humorous pop art. Rauschenberg used newspaper, mirror, beds and other everyday objects on silkscreens in the 1960s, incorporating media images to reflect thoughts on social issues. Lichtenstein used speech bubbles and words to maximize cartoon-like effects. Indiana’s most well-known work titled “Classic Love” has been loved over many years, produced on Christmas card stamps, paintings, sculptures and prints.

The audio guide has been recorded by actor Yoo Jun-sang as a talent donation. The exhibition will be open until April 15, 2018.

Sun-Mi Kim kimsunmi@donga.com