Puma, spring 2009
In the New Orleans tradition of lagniappe, here is a little something extra for your visual pleasure. Pictured are sneakers from the Roy Lichtenstein-inspired “Popart “line, as my son tried them on in the Philadelphia Puma store. They’re still available online ($50-$65)—happy shopping!
Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997) himself described Pop art as “not ‘American’ painting but actually ‘industrial’ painting.” His comic book influenced work prominently featured the use of Ben-day dots, which were developed by illustrator and printer Benjamin Day (1810-1889). The dots are equally sized within a given area; their color and spacing vary to create the desired optical illusion (as opposed to half-tone dots, which vary in size to create value and shading). Lichtenstein enlarged and exaggerated the dots to create his iconic images, the first of which came from a challenge from one of his sons to paint a Mickey Mouse as good as the one in the comic book. With its hard-edged figures, bold outlines, and speech bubbles, Lichtenstein’s work was a comment on mass media’s portrayal of its subjects; the Puma sneaks are an homage to an American artist who continues to delight and amuse us. And could Puma be any more mass market?
When you visit the birthplace of America, check out Absolute Pop Art, 137 South 13th Street, Philadelphia 19107 for Pop Art recreations.
Happy Birthday, America!
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