Pop art exploded in the 1950s and 60s, turning consumer culture and mass media into fine art. It is instantly recognisable through the bold, vibrant colours, recognisable imagery and notes of irony and humour.
But who are the best pop art artists of all time – and why do they still matter today?
The most famous pop art artists include Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring, and David Hockney.
These names helped shape one of the most influential movements in modern art with their bold visuals and cultural commentary.
Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
- 11. Takashi Murakami
- 10. Alex Katz
- 9. Eduardo Paolozzi
- 8. Billy Apple
- 7. Yayoi Kusama
- 6. Richard Hamilton
- 5. Claes Oldenburg
- 4. David Hockney
- 3. Roy Lichtenstein
- 2. Keith Haring
- 1. Andy Warhol
11 - Takashi Murakami (1962–)
Takashi is an iconic Japanese artist, known for his unique style. His style merges contemporary pop culture influences with more traditional Japanese art. He coined the term 'superflat' – a movement that flattens the distinctions between high and low artwork.
Murakami has also collaborated with iconic names and brands - you may recognise his artwork on Kanye West's album covers, and his work with fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton.
Most Famous Works:
- 727 (1996)
- Flowers, Flowers, Flowers (2010)
- My Lonesome Cowboy (1998)
10 - Alex Katz (1927–)
Alex Katz is a notable name in the pop art scene, and he is known for his distinctive paintings, sculptures, and prints. Since he appeared on the art scene in the 50s, his work has been featured in around 700 exhibitions, both solo and group, around the world.
Katz paints large-format paintings, featuring landscapes and flowers. He also paints portraits – his wife Ada often features as a subject in his pop art. Katz' approach is fast and spontaneous, and paints 'faster than [he] can think'. His artwork is fresh and innovative, and easily recognisable amidst all the other names on this list.
Most Famous Works:
- Blue Umbrella II (1972)
- The Black Dress (2019)
- Red House (2016)
9 - Eduardo Paolozzi (1924–2005)
Scottish artist Eduardo Luigi Paolozzi is widely recognised as a pioneer of the pop art movement. He experimented with various media throughout his career, such as printmaking, sculpture and textiles. He created " I Was A Rich Man’s Plaything" in 1947, which is widely considered one of the first examples of pop art.
Most Famous Works:
- As is When 1964–5
- The Tottenham Court Road Mosaics (1986)
- Newton After Blake (1995)
8 - Billy Apple (1935–2021)
Barrie Bates started his art career with the name Billy Apple in 1962. The name reflected his identity as well as the commercial aspect of art – with this persona, he was essentially referring to himself as a product. His art can be found around the world – for example, at Tate Britain, the Guggenheim Museum, and the National Gallery of Australia.
Most Famous Works:
- Art for Sale (1980)
- 2 Minutes 33 Seconds (1962)
- American Supermarket (1964)
7 - Yayoi Kusama (1929–)
Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama experimented with many artistic practices, including painting, performance, installation, sculpture, fashion, poetry and fiction. Some common themes in her artwork include feminism, minimalism, surrealism, and of course, pop art.
Her artwork reflects her personal experiences, including trauma and mental health challenges. She experienced hallucinations at a young age, which she described as 'flashes of light' and 'fields of dots' - which is reflected in her paintings.
Most Famous Works:
- Infinity Mirror Room - Phalli's Field (1965)
- Narcissus Garden (1966)
- Accumulation (1961-1966)
6 - Richard Hamilton (1922–2011)
English pop art artist Richard Hamilton was a pioneer of the British pop art movement, producing some of the earliest artworks. His work incorporated elements from popular culture, mass media and advertising. He was a member of the Independent Group - a collective of artists who played a huge part in the development of pop art.
He described pop art as “Popular, transient, expendable, low-cost, mass-produced, young, witty, sexy, gimmicky, glamorous, and Big Business".
Most Famous Works:
- Just what is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing? (1956)
- Swingeing London 67 (1968)
- The White Album (1968) (Beatles album cover - fun fact, he was paid just £200!)
5 - Claes Oldenburg (1929–2022)
Claes Oldenburg's artwork can be described as satirical and witty, with vibrant colours and exaggerated proportions (picture a giant house-sized saw amongst foliage or a giant cherry balanced on a spoon). He often collaborated with his wife, Coosje van Bruggen, on his large-scale projects. His artwork is said to have influenced the likes of Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons.
Most Famous Works:
- Spoonbridge and Cherry (1988)
- Batcolumn (1977)
- The Store (1961)
4 - David Hockney (1937–)
Hockney’s artwork is characterised by contrasting colours and bold compositions. His artwork features landscapes, swimming pools, and friends and family. His style can be described as a combination of Cubism combined with commercial art and graphics, making him a little different to some other artists on our list.
Most Famous Works:
- A Bigger Splash (1967)
- Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy (1971)
- We Two Boys Together Clinging (1961)
3 - Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997)
It should be no surprise that Lichtenstein made it to our top 3 pop art artists. His artwork is instantly recognisable - the bold colours, ben-day dots, and exaggerated imagery. His cartoon-like artwork is described as a commentary on consumerism and mass media, parodying comic strips/ comic books and advertisements. His art reshaped pop culture and fine art, and his influence far extended his lifetime.
Most Famous Works:
- Whaam! (1963)
- Masterpiece (1962)
- Drowning Girl (1963)
2 - Keith Haring (1958–1990)
Keith Haring takes a proud second place in our list of the top 11 best pop art artists. Haring began painting chalk drawings on the New York Subway - his child-like murals gripped the public. He is one of the best, most popular American pop art artists.
His artwork covered many themes, such as racism, drug abuse, safe sex and gay rights - which are portrayed through his iconic symbols, such as the radiant baby, barking dogs, and dancing figures.
He created more than 50 public artworks between 1982 and 1989, and many of these were donated to public buildings such as schools and hospitals. His art can be found around the world, in major collections such as The Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Most Famous Works:
- Crack Is Wack (1986)
- Ignorance = Fear (1989)
- Radiant Baby (1990)
1 - Andy Warhol (1928–1987)
Warhol obviously takes first place - he is the most iconic pop art artist of all time. He began his career as a commercial illustrator and transitioned to fine art in the 1960s. This is when he became a leading figure in the pop art movement.
Let's take a look at some of his most popular works:
Campbell's Soup Cans (1962)
This series consists of 32 canvases and depicts the varieties of Campbell's soup available at the time. It quickly became an iconic representation of consumer culture, critiquing the influence of mass media and advertising. It is currently housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.
Want to know more interesting facts about Warhol’s art? Check out this blog!
Marilyn Diptych (1962)
This piece of pop art explores themes of mortality, mass media and celebrity - depicting no other than iconic actress and model Marilyn Monroe. The two canvases each depict 25 images of Marilyn, totalling 50 images. The repetitive nature of the image ultimately suggested that Marilyn became a one-dimensional symbol instead of a person. It is currently housed in the Tate Modern in London.
Brillo Boxes (1964)
Brillo Boxes also explores themes such as consumerism and mass production, featuring brillo boxes - an everyday object. This piece of art consists of life-size objects replicating the boxes that Brillo soap pads came in. This is considered one of Warhol's best early works, evoking conversation about the beauty in everyday objects.
Discover original Warhols in our Andy Warhol collection.
Notable Mentions
- Peter Blake - Created the iconic album cover for The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. He is known for his collage style.
- Patrick Caulfield - Depicted everyday scenes and objects, using bright, bold colours and a graphic style.
- Ed Ruscha - Created artwork featuring imagery and text linked to American landscapes and culture in general.
- Richard Prince - Utilised rephotographed images to create a commentary on consumer behaviour.
- Tracey Emin - Drew from personal experience in her art, exploring themes such as sexuality.
Looking to add some pop art pieces to your collection? Browse our Pop Art collection today!
