Claes Oldenburg's art in the 1950s laid the groundwork for his emergence as a key figure in the pop art movement. After moving to New York City in 1956, Oldenburg was captivated by the vibrancy of street life, including store windows, graffiti, advertisements, and trash. This fascination with everyday objects and their sculptural possibilities marked a pivotal shift in his artistic focus from painting to sculpture. This period was crucial for Oldenburg, as he began to explore the sculptural potential of ordinary objects, which would become a hallmark of his work. In 1959, Oldenburg's first solo show at the Judson Gallery in New York featured figurative drawings and papier-mâché sculptures, showcasing his early interest in three-dimensional forms and the use of unconventional materials. This exhibition was a precursor to his celebrated work "The Store" in the early 1960s, where he transformed an actual store into an immersive art environment filled with painted plaster sculptures of everyday items, blurring the lines between art and commerce. Oldenburg's work during this era reflects a keen interest in the material culture of the time, setting the stage for his later contributions to the pop art movement and his explorations of form, scale, and materiality in sculpture. Oldenburg's art from the 1950s through his transition into the 1960s illustrates his innovative approach to sculpture and performance art. By focusing on common objects and integrating them into his art, Oldenburg challenged traditional notions of sculpture and art's role in society. His early experiments and exhibitions during this time not only reflect his unique artistic vision but also signal the beginning of a significant shift in the landscape of contemporary art​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​.