Pop Art Research

Tate 

Art Term

Pop Art

"Pop art is an art movement that emerged in the 1950s and flourished in the 1960s in America and Britain, drawing inspiration from sources in popular and commercial culture. Different cultures and countries contributed to the movement during the 1960s and 70s"

Pop Art was first introduced in Britain in the mid 1950's and then in America in the late 1950's then going on to reach its peak in the 1960's. The art form was started as a way to go against traditional views of art and the culture of art, but instead embrace popular media such as pop music, advertising, comic books, product packaging and Hollywood movies, to appeal to a mass audience.  

A pop artist named Richard Hamilton wrote a letter to his friends in 1957 which listed how he described Pop Art - "Pop Art is: Popular (designed for a mass audience), Transient (short-term solution), Expendable (easily forgotten), Low cost, Mass produced, Young (aimed at youth), Witty, Sexy, Gimmicky, Glamorous, Big business". 

Modernist critics were disgraced by the lack of subject matter used with in the pop artists artwork, this form of art is thought to have evolved new ways to present subject matter in art. Pop Art can also be seen as a first look of postmodernism.

British Pop Art and American Pop Art, both inspired by similar subject matter however have clear differences. originally British pop art was influences by popular American culture whereas American Pop Artists took inspiration from the culture they were living in and seeing on a daily basis. in America the art form emerged after abstract expressionism which presents objects loosely emphasising on feelings. Whereas Pop Art contrasted these aspects focusing more on the use of hard edges, mundane imagery and distinct forms. in Britain however the art movement was more academic in their approach, but also using parody and irony within their artwork representing American popular imagery and the power it holds being able to manipulate peoples lifestyles.

Source: tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/p/pop-art 

How reliable is this source?

I believe this source to be reliable as Tate is a well respected network of art Galleries and its purpose is to increase public enjoyment and understanding of British art aging back to the 16th century to present day.