The intricacies of pop art: studies by Roy Lichtenstein

The Whitney Museum of American Art has announced a newly acquired cache of works by legendary pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. The new collection of over 400 pieces includes paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, drawings, tracings and collages, many of which acted as studies for the artist’s most recognisable works. Studio materials that reflect Lichtenstein’s practice and process have also been gifted by the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation.

Within the collection of artworks, many of the artist’s key themes can be detected – Americana, seascapes, landscapes, brushstrokes, mirrors and reflections all appear as the works provide a comprehensive survey of Lichtenstein’s sources of inspiration and working methods. Completed works – including Sea Shore (1964) below – will be added to the museum’s expanding Lichtenstein collection, while studies, artist materials and preliminary and preparatory works will comprise the Ro-y Lichtenstein Study Collection, which will soon be available to scholars by appointment.

The news represents an extension to the longstanding relationship between gallery and artist, which began in 1965, when Lichtenstein’s work first appeared in the Whitney’s Decade of American Drawing 1955 – 1965 show. His work has since been seen in over 60 shows at the gallery, including in the current exhibition Where We Are.

See more of the newly acquired Lichtenstein works below and follow the Whitney here.