What Does Pop Art Look Like In The 21st Century?

When you think of Pop Art, you most likely think of Warhol’s depictions of Marilyn Monroe, or Roy Lichtenstein’s bold comic-like imagery. But what does contemporary Pop Art look like today? How is it different from early Pop Art? That’s what we’ll be exploring today. Read on to learn all about the evolution of Pop Art and some of the top names in the 21st century.

A Brief History of Pop Art

Pop Art first emerged in the 1950s, with several notable artists spearheading the movement. Some of the early pioneers of Pop Art include:

• Eduardo Paolozzi
• Richard Hamilton
• Jasper Johns

The movement appeared to originate in the UK and the United States around the same time. However, one of the first pieces of art considered ‘Pop Art’ was Paolozzi’s "I Was a Rich Man's Plaything" from 1947. Here’s a brief timeline of the history of Pop Art:

• 1947 – Eduardo Paolozzi creates the famous collage “I Was a Rich Man's Plaything”
• 1952 – The Independent Group in London brings early pop artists together
• 1955 – The term 'Pop Art' begins to be used frequently in the art scene
• 1958 – Art Critic Lawrence Alloway writes about Pop Art which helped to popularise the movement
• 1961 – More and more artists are producing Pop Art, with British and American pop artists collaborating
• 1962 – The Museum of Modern Art in New York begins using the term "Pop Art"
• 1962 – Warhol exhibits the iconic ‘Campbell’s Soup Cans’
• 1970s – Pop Art has become one of the most popular art movements, with many artists experimenting with this style
  
  

How Has Pop Art Evolved?

Pop Art has seen some huge chances since it originated in the 50s and 60s. In the 21st century, modern pop artists tend to focus on personal subjects as opposed to just mass-produced imagery.

For example, Pop Art artists today often portray social and political issues or infuse their work with personal stories and experiences. Let’s not forget how new media has changed the way Pop Art is created.

For example, notable Pop Art artist Takashi Murakami uses 3d modelling software and computer graphics to create his designs, and Jeff Joons uses digital imaging software to combine images in his pieces.

1980s - 1990s: NEO Pop

This was the time of NEO Pop – artists during this time would revive interest in popular culture. Artists continued to be influenced by earlier Pop Art from the '50s and '60s but had a new perspective.

Much like classing Pop Art, Neo Pop (also known as Post-Pop) featured bold colours and recognisable imagery. It typically included pop culture references such as famous brands or celebrities, but Neo Pop is often more refined and polished than earlier Pop Art.

Most Popular Contemporary Pop Art Artists

Here are some of the top names in the Pop Art scene today, from Koons to George Rouy:

1 – Jeff Koons

Koons became one of the leading figures in the Neo-Pop scene in the ‘80s and ‘90s, taking inspiration from subjects such as vacuum cleaners and Michael Jackson.

Some of his famous pieces are his ‘Balloon Dogs’ – a series of sculptures that resemble balloon animals. Much like traditional Pop Art artists, Koons celebrated mass-produced items in his artwork, featuring everyday objects such as toys and ornaments.

He has collaborated with iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton and has ventured into digital art (his Lunar NFT series).

Celebration, a series dating from 1994 to 2011, featured oversized sculptures of toys and ornaments. His artwork sells for millions – his ‘Rabbit’ sculpture sold for over $90 million back in 2019!

2 – Takashi Murakami

Takashi Murakami is another top name in the contemporary Pop Art scene. He is most famous for his 'Superflat' aesthetic, bringing elements of classic Japanese art into his pop art pieces.

His art features recurring icons (such as smiling flowers), and explores themes of otaku culture and consumerism. He was even listed by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world!

He developed a huge digital presence and launched a NFT project in 2021 named Murakami.Flowers. His artwork reaches staggering prices at auctions, with his ‘69 Arhats Beneath the Bodhi Tree’ piece selling for over £39 million in 2022.

3 – Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst is one of the leading figures of the YBAs (Young British Artists) movement from the '90s. His artwork often features themes of the human experience, including life and death.

However, he is also known for his colourful spot paintings. His grid-like spot paintings reference pharmaceutical branding, highlighting themes such as consumer culture.

4 – Julian Opie

Julian Opie is famous for his digital techniques combined with traditional Pop Art styles - bold outlines and flat areas of colour, and simplified subjects of people and landscapes. He created a collection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, featuring athletes from Team GB in his classic Neo-Pop Art style.

5 – George Rouy

George Rouy's work has been exhibited around the world, from Miami to Paris and Vienna. Although not traditionally considered a Pop Artist, his work certainly incorporated Pop Art themes. His paintings often feature bold, vibrant colours and simplified imagery, exploring themes of desire and crisis.

Contemporary Pop Art Today

Today, Pop Art is still extremely popular. However, 21st century Pop Art has several differences to Pop Art from the 1950s. Here’s what Pop Art looks like today:

• Often created by using modern technology
• Focuses on current celebrities, social issues and social media
• It is an international movement, no longer limited to the UK and USA

One of the biggest differences is how Pop Art is made today. Contemporary Pop artists will use a variety of tools, such as:

• 3D modelling
• 3D printing
• AI
• Digital drawing tools
• Graphic design software
• NFT markets (for selling artwork)
• LED lighting and motion sensors

Ultimately, contemporary Pop Art is much more accessible, and there is more variety in the pieces due to the rise in technology.

Pop Art is no longer just a reaction against other movements of the 20th century. It’s a global movement that has continued to evolve over the years, with new techniques and influences.