Roy Lichtenstein's exploration of still life subjects marks a significant phase in his oeuvre, extending the boundaries of this traditional genre through his distinctive Pop Art lens. Starting in the early 1970s, Lichtenstein's still life series evolved from the simple depiction of everyday objects to more complex and elaborate arrangements, incorporating motifs from his earlier works and art history. Unlike the common everyday objects featured in his 1960s still lifes, the 1970s saw Lichtenstein embracing more elaborate compositions, including a complex arrangement of objects and sometimes merging still life with landscape (Roy Lichtenstein).
In this period, Lichtenstein’s work engaged with art historical styles and his signature techniques, such as Benday dots and vivid, flat colors, to critique and homage traditional and modern art movements. His still lifes were not just about recreating objects on canvas; they were deeply conceptual, playing with the themes of originality, authenticity, and the blurred lines between high and low art. This conceptual depth is illustrated in works like "Still Life with Goldfish" (1972), where Lichtenstein references Henri Matisse's "Goldfish" alongside his own motifs, creating a dialogue between the originality of Matisse's work and his own reinterpretation (Roy Lichtenstein) (MyArtBroker).
The "Roy Lichtenstein: Still Lifes" exhibition at Gagosian in 2010 showcased the breadth of Lichtenstein’s work in this genre, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the 1970s through the early 1980s. This exhibition highlighted Lichtenstein's innovative contributions to the still life genre, blending traditional themes with contemporary vernacular subjects. His Still Lifes cover a variety of motifs, including fruits, flowers, vases, and items from his studio, rendered in his distinct Pop Art style that conflated Cubist or Expressionist style with his own techniques (Gagosian).
Lichtenstein’s approach to still life also included a return to a more figurative style that acknowledged traditional aspects of the genre while incorporating homages to artists like Picasso. This is evident in pieces like "Still Life With Picasso" (1973), where traditional still life elements are combined with Picasso-inspired figures, demonstrating Lichtenstein’s dialogue with Cubism. This nuanced engagement with the genre culminates in a series of works that are not just depictions but are reflective commentaries on art, culture, and society (MyArtBroker).
Through his still lifes, Lichtenstein demonstrated that this genre could carry as much conceptual weight and offer as profound a commentary on art and society as any other. His work in this area serves as a bridge between traditional representations and the postmodern questioning of artistic value and authenticity, showcasing his enduring impact on the art world (MyArtBroker).