1962 'New Painting of Common Objects' Exhibition: The Birth of American Pop Art

The Groundbreaking Exhibition of 1962

In 1962, the **Pasadena Art Museum** became a historic venue for the launch of the **New Painting of Common Objects** exhibition. This pivotal show is celebrated as one of the first major exhibitions focusing on **American Pop Art**, marking a significant shift in the art world towards a movement that embraced popular culture, consumerism, and everyday objects.

The exhibition presented works from prominent artists like **Andy Warhol**, **Roy Lichtenstein**, and **Claes Oldenburg**, who challenged traditional notions of what constitutes art by utilizing imagery from commercial culture and mass media. The event opened eyes to artistic expression linked closely to the socio-economic realities of the time.

Artists Highlighted in the New Painting of Common Objects

The exhibition showcased a diverse range of artists, highlighting figures such as Andy Warhol whose iconic Campbell's Soup Cans epitomized the blurring of lines between art and advertising. Warhol's prolific use of commercial imagery questioned the very fabric of artistic authenticity, nudging audiences towards a new appreciation of the familiar.

Cultural Impact of the New Painting of Common Objects

The **New Painting of Common Objects** exhibition not only spotlighted new artistic techniques but also resonated with the prevailing cultural landscape in the United States. As the nation grappled with the burgeoning consumerism of the post-war era, artists were quick to reflect societal changes, making the exhibition a mirror of contemporary American life.

Transforming the Art Scene

The 1962 exhibition at the Pasadena Art Museum was more than just an artistic display; it was a revolution. Pop Art emerged as a dominant art movement that occupied a unique space in modern art, influencing countless artists and movements that followed.

Legacy of the New Painting of Common Objects

The legacy of the **New Painting of Common Objects** has lasted decades, cementing its status as a starting point for future movements like **Brutalism** and **Street Art**. The combination of mass media and artistic expression paved the way for art forms that reflect social commentary and contemporary culture.

Evolution of Pop Art After 1962

Post-1962, **Pop Art** only grew, evolving to encompass diverse themes beyond consumerism, including issues of identity, gender, and politics. Artists continued to explore the relationship between art and society, with Pop Art encouraging audiences to find beauty in the everyday and commonplace.

Fun Fact

The Stage for Artistic Revolution

Did you know that the **Pasadena Art Museum** was later closed and transformed into the **Pacific Asia Museum**? Its role in championing emerging art movements like Pop Art, however, remains one of its most distinguished contributions.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on American Pop Art

For those looking to dive deeper into the Pop Art movement, consider exploring "Popism: The Warhol Sixties" by **Andy Warhol** and "The American Century: Art and Culture 1900-2000" edited by **Robert Storr**. These resources will provide further insights and context to the emergence and significance of the Pop Art movement.