Roy Lichtenstein
American
Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein revolutionized the art world by transforming imagery from advertisements and comic books into bold, thought-provoking paintings that brought American pop culture into the realm of high art. Blurring the lines between traditional painting and commercial printing, he painstakingly recreated the mechanical look of mass media using stencils and hand-painted Ben-Day dots, mimicking the flat, vibrant colors of print with remarkable precision.Lichtenstein debuted his signature deadpan aesthetic in 1961 with Look Mickey, a striking image of the iconic cartoon mouse rendered in primary colors. This work marked a turning point in contemporary art, establishing his distinct visual language. Just five years later, he was chosen to represent the United States at the Venice Biennale—an early milestone in a career that would include major exhibitions at the Pasadena Art Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Guggenheim by the 1970s.Lichtenstein’s legacy extends far beyond his lifetime. His paintings have commanded over $90 million at auction, and his pioneering use of appropriated imagery has deeply influenced generations of artists, including Richard Prince, Jeff Koons, and Raymond Pettibon.