The 1960s was a decade of transformation, which saw many global events that changed the course of how art was perceived and made. The world was never the same after the 60s.
From comic books to celebrity portraits, Pop art was a critique of consumerism and mass media that was rife in the 60s and engaged people to review the images that were so prevalent in society at the time.
Conceptual art engaged with social critique and activism, which brought to light issues related to race, identity, political power, gender, and the existing status quo.
The Minimalism movement was also founded on the significant reduction of form, where artists chose to eliminate excess and emphasize clean lines. Minimalism influenced many disciplines and even became a lifestyle.
The focus of Op art was on stimulating visual engagement from viewers and fusing the realms of science and art to produce works that truly reflected innovation.
The acceptance and use of mind-altering substances to explore altered states of consciousness was one of the primary drivers of the emergence of vibrant and intricate patterns in art.
During the 60s, many major art events also contributed to the rise in Contemporary art and its demand, which saw many record-breaking sales in the genres of Abstract Expressionism and Pop art.
Lichtenstein’s paintings included bold lines and dots, which transformed his images into works of high art. Of significant note is the fact that Roy Lichtenstein’s style largely influenced the dominant aesthetics of Pop art in the 60s.
Allan Kaprow was perhaps the most influential performance artist of the 1960s, who contributed to theories surrounding the notion of “happenings” and the “environment” in performance art.
Andy Warhol is considered to be the father of Pop art itself, who thrived during the 1960s and pioneered the integration of popular culture and portraits of various Hollywood celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.