Mermaid
Mermaid
Signed Print
Roy Lichtenstein
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64 x 66cm, Edition of 60, Lithograph
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Meaning & Analysis
In the late 1970s, Roy Lichtenstein entered his remarkable absurdist period, inspired by the practices of Surrealism. Originating in the 1920s, surrealist artists delved into subconscious realities, stringing together peculiar types of imagery. Lichtenstein’s Surrealist series follows suit, merging disparate elements into impactful portraits.
Similar to At The Beach of the same series, Mermaid depicts an amorphous reclining female figure with a bright yellow ponytail. The shape of her body, composed entirely of red stripes, resembles a purist modern sculpture. A delicately illustrated palm tree stands guard behind her, while she drifts on open water. Sharply defined waves invade her contours, like sharks circling prey. The scene is illuminated by figurative rays of sunshine emanating from a lamp through the clouds above her head.
Mermaid’s diverse composition draws the viewer into the captivating realm of its formal mirage. Its vibrant primary colours and graphic forms perpetuate the unified vision of printed reproductions. Accordingly, this print transforms Lichtenstein’s appropriation of styles into the artist’s own polished pop aesthetic.
The print was created in conjunction with Lichtenstein's identical 1979 sculpture project for the Miami Beach Theater of the Performing Arts. The monumental outdoor installation is today exhibited in close proximity to the ocean.
Roy Lichtenstein, born in New York, 1923, is a seminal figure in the Pop Art movement, renowned for his comic book and advertisement-inspired artworks. His transformative journey from classical painter to Pop Art pioneer began with his iconic piece, Look Mickey, marking the fusion of painting with pop culture. Lichtenstein’s works, including Whaam!, Drowning Girl, and Crying Girl, blend parody and satire, challenging the boundaries between popular culture and ‘high art’. With over 5,000 pieces to his name, Lichtenstein’s enduring influence resonates in contemporary art, his works celebrated in prestigious institutions worldwide.
