Tom Wesselmann's Smokers series is a profound exploration of the intersection between pop art, eroticism, and abstraction, revealing the artist's unique approach to figurative painting. Emerging as a significant figure in the pop art movement, Wesselmann sought to redefine figurative painting within the modernist tradition, distancing himself from the label of pop artist. His work is deeply informed by his background as a cartoonist for men's magazines, which shaped his approach to subject matter and style, aiming to infuse figurative art with the vibrancy and excitement traditionally associated with abstract art (Phillips) (TEFAF).
The Smokers series, developed from the late 1960s through the early 1970s, is an extension of Wesselmann's exploration of the female form, focusing on isolated features such as mouths, lips, and hands holding cigarettes. These pieces are known for their intimate sensuality, characterized by bold colors, clear forms, and a realistic depiction that borders on the hyperreal. By focusing on disembodied parts, Wesselmann abstracts the image, rendering the female figure anonymous and emphasizing modern consumerist themes (Phillips).
Wesselmann's fascination with smoke and the act of smoking was not rooted in an intention to be erotic but to simplify his imagery to its essence—a mouth and the act of smoking. This interest was partly inspired by his observation of a friend smoking, which challenged him to capture the ephemeral nature of smoke in his art. Through his Smokers series, Wesselmann celebrated the technical aspects of painting, particularly his ability to depict the sinuous movement of smoke and the play of light on surfaces, creating images of sultry dynamism and potent realism (Heather James).
Despite his influence and contributions to the pop art movement, Wesselmann maintained that his work was an investigation into traditional subject matter—still lifes, landscapes, and nudes—through the lens of color, form, and composition. His Smokers series stands as a testament to his dedication to craftsmanship and allure, marking him as a pivotal figure in 20th-century art history (TEFAF).
Tom Wesselmann's Smokers series encapsulates his lifelong endeavor to blend the erotic with the abstract, pushing the boundaries of figurative art to new heights. Through this series, Wesselmann invites viewers to reconsider the intimacy of the mundane act of smoking, transforming it into a powerful statement on beauty, form, and the allure of the everyday.
