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Discover the groundbreaking art of James Rosenquist, a key figure of the Pop Art movement, in this episode of The MetroScope Podcast. From his early days as a billboard painter in Times Square, New York City, to his rise as an internationally acclaimed artist, we explore the life and work of a true American original.Born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, James Rosenquist (1933-2017) brought the monumental scale and bold visual language of advertising to the world of fine art. His unique style, a blend of Pop Art and Surrealism, used fragmented, juxtaposed images from mass media to create powerful social and political commentary. Rosenquist’s work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, with major exhibitions at top institutions like the Guggenheim and MoMA in New York, and his influence is still felt in contemporary art today.Notable Works:F-111 (1964-65): We explore Rosenquist's most iconic works, the monumental, room-sized painting F-111. This 86-foot-long masterpiece, first exhibited at the Leo Castelli Gallery in New York, is a powerful critique of the military-industrial complex and consumer culture during the Vietnam War. We'll discuss how Rosenquist masterfully wove together images of a fighter jet, spaghetti, a Firestone tire, and an atomic blast to create what he called a vision of "flying through the flak of consumer society."President Elect (1960-61): Explore the painting that launched Rosenquist into the spotlight. President Elect features a smiling John F. Kennedy alongside a yellow Chevrolet and a slice of cake, a clever commentary on the packaging and selling of political candidates to the American public. This breakthrough work, now housed in the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, France, perfectly captures the artist's fascination with the persuasive power of advertising. Join us as we survey the vibrant, chaotic, and deeply insightful world of James Rosenquist. Learn how his innovative techniques and critical eye changed the landscape of modern art, and why his work remains as relevant as ever. Whether you're an art aficionado or new to the world of Pop Art, this is an episode you won't want to miss. To get advance notice of upcoming events and invitations to them, notice of new exhibits, and exclusive discounts download the Metro Gallery Nebraska App and enable notifications.
