James Rosenquist is a well-known pioneer of the Pop Art movement. He is best known for his collage paintings where imagery from advertisements and mass media is juxtaposed to form a statement. He describes his work as “images zapping by in rapid-fire succession,” and his choice of using collage as “an effective way of representing contemporary life. The blur between images creates a kind of motion in mind.” Rosenquist’s work is therefore effective and provocative in the way that he manipulates digital imagery as a form of expression on current economic, scientific and political issues.
The method in which I have decided to enter into dialogue with Rosenquist is through the collage of various imagery taken by myself, from mass media and from elements of my own artwork. By juxtaposing these images, I was able to reflect on certain elements relating to popular culture. In terms of dialogue, I decided to approach this in a narrative style where I introduce myself to the artist and begin to develop a conversation talking about the future, especially possibilities of man’s relationship to the galaxy, as well as my daily complaints about time.
An important element that is constant in Rosenquist’s work is the way he fragments his images to establish a sense of ‘rapid-fire succession.’ Throughout my collages I have experimented with different ways to fragment various images and understand how this conveys movement. The overall shape of the fragments mimics the motion of high velocity, atmospheric conditions such as sparks and lightning. Additionally, I have found that the vibrancy of color plays a major role in creating energy within a work.
Overall, this series of collages illustrates a dialogue that reflects components of consumerist culture, the impact of science and society, as well as a reflection about time.
References:
House of Fire, 1981. Oil on canvas. 6′ 6″ x 16′ 6″ (198.1 x 502.9 cm) [78″ x 198″]
Marilyn Monroe I, 1962. Oil and spray enamel on canvas. 93″ x 72 1/4″ (236.2 x 183.5 cm)
Time Door Time D’or, 1989. Oil on canvas. 97 1/2″ x 120″ (247.7 x 304.8 cm).
