Art, any kind of art, is definitely in the eye of the beholder. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure and vice-versa.
Johnny Cash and Robert Johnson by Lamar
Sorrento
This month, I will present pieces of art which I consider to be true treasures. This is pop art, as I see it, and each artist, to me, represents the best of popular culture.
No one could write on the subject of pop art without mentioning the king of pop art himself, the late great Andy Warhol. Warhol is a perfect example of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. How many times have you heard someone say, “I wouldn’t want that,” or “I could paint better than that?” Yet, Warhol’s art, for all its simplicity, and to some, crudeness, has earned respect and appeal from some of the world’s top art collectors as well as with the top museums around the globe.
Many of Warhol’s most famous works were derived from photographs made by other artists. His paintings and silk screens of Geronimo, Mao Tse Tung, Marilyn Monroe and many others were simply derivatives of the works of others, embellished with paint and other mediums the artist chose to use to transform the original into his own unique creation.
In other cases, Warhol was actually photographer and artist. He was commissioned by many of the world’s leading celebrities to paint their likeness. During Warhol’s lifetime, being painted by him was a status symbol among the rich and famous; and few, if any, ever turned down an opportunity to be immortalized by the king of pop art.
Who else but Andy Warhol could immortalize a can of soup? Probably no one else could have gotten away with it at the time, but many of the world’s top art collectors would kill to have a silkscreen of Warhol’s portrayal of the Campbell’s soup can! Only in America, you say? Nope. Collectors around the world want the stylized soup can. If you can find one, it will cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
“Orange Marilyn,” a silkscreen of Marilyn Monroe done by Warhol sold for sixteen million dollars a few years back. Today, the Warhol foundation, licenses the artist’s works for posters, postcards and other novelty items. The foundation also sells T-shirts, Martini sets, glassware, and all manner of collectibles bearing his work.. Warhol lives on!
If you like Warhol’s work, but can’t afford a piece signed by him, there is an alternative. Steve Kaufman, a contemporary artist, paints much in the style of Warhol. One reason could be that he worked in Warhol’s factory. Kaufman has presented Marilyn Monroe, the Campbell’s soup can, Elvis and other personalities and objects in a style very reminiscent of his former boss, and, Kaufman’s work provides a very affordable and reasonable alternative to acquiring a Warhol if you’re bent on getting that look for your home or office.
I think pop art is so popular, if you will, because it elevates every day art and puts it into today’s perspective. I know that when I acquire a piece, it makes me feel good. The images are typically exaggerated in one-way or another, whether it be wild colors and skin tones, or out of proportion features. One artist who paints popular culture icons is a favorite of mine, Lamar Sorrento.
Although he’s described as an ‘outsider artist,’ Sorrento’s work is undeniably pop art. Lamar, in his very crude style, depicts celebrities and musicians who are very recognizable. He paints on whatever material is available when his inspiration hits. I’ve seen his art on pieces of wood, cardboard, glass and yes, even canvas!
Doing a TV segment on Steve Kaufman art.
I was introduced to Sorrento’s work by country singer and super musician Marty Stuart. I paid extra attention to Marty’s wisdom on Lamar because he’s a very savvy collector. Most of all, I was captivated by Sorrento’s interpretations of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, blues guitarist Robert Johnson, Chuck Berry and others.
Lamar’s work is catching on. You can see his art in many of the House of Blues restaurants and a number of celebrities, including Stuart, members of The Rolling Stones, Brian Adams and others are collectors of his work. One credible witness tells of the Rolling Stones buying every piece of Lamar’s work hanging in a restaurant they visited in Memphis.
Fortunately, for collectors who can’t afford Warhol’s work, Lamar Sorrento’s paintings are still very affordable. His 11 x 14 canvases can be purchased for less than $400. I’m betting on Lamar becoming a big star, so in addition to buying his work for the pure enjoyment it brings me, I’m investing in paintings, as well. I’ve even got a few pieces available on my web site for sale!
Keith Haring and Richard Avedon
Hollywood and pop culture are one. You simply can’t separate the two, and one artist who marries both is Al Hirschfeld. His caricatures are world-famous and just about everyone recognizes his inimitable style. Hirschfeld has drawn virtually every Hollywood actor worth his or her salt and his depictions are sought after not only by collectors, but also by the subjects themselves. Hirschfeld’s art ranges in price from a few thousand dollars for a signed print to many thousands for an original.
Another artist whose work is recognized worldwide is Keith Haring. Haring is famous for his outlined little people who assume various poses in his art. His images are used on album covers, greeting cards and are highly collectable. One piece, which intrigued me, was a poster featuring Haring’s little people ogling Brooke Shields (another pop culture icon). Also featured in the piece is pop culture photographer Richard Avedon’s work. He was the photographer who took the photo of Brooke which was embellished by Haring.
Other legendary pop artists include Peter Max (a fabulous painter of popular culture) and Roy Lichtenstein. I wish I had more space in which to write about those two, but it would have been criminal if they weren’t at least mentioned.
Everyone loves to be surrounded by things they love, and most everyone loves art. If you can collect art that makes you happy, how can you beat that?
Until next time, keep collecting!
Courtesy of Pop Culture Collecting Magazine
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