ROY LICHTENSTEIN, AMERICAN INDIAN THEME II, AMERICAN INDIAN THEME SERIES, SIGNED WOODCUT ON HANDMADE SUZUKI PAPER, EDITION OF 50, 1980
Roy Lichtenstein’s American Indian Theme II belongs to the artist’s American Indian Theme series of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Constituting a small yet distinct part of his infamously pop inclined creative output, this series ties stylistically in with the artist’s overarching enterprise.
Lichtenstein’s characteristic collage sensibility is reflected in his American Indian Theme II, on account of the work’s complex layout. The composition unites simplified shapes resembling desert vegetation, weaponry and quillwork. The disposition is centralised and elevated through a playful colour scheme. American Indian Theme II evidently employs the strong graphic nature of Native American imagery to its fullest and makes a good fit for Lichtenstein’s own bold style.
Painting cliché infused subjects from American history allowed Lichtenstein to engage with topics of origin and belonging. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the artist sought to primarily ridicule these widely distributed images depicting Native American heritage. However, living next to the Shinnecock Indian reservation near Southampton for many years enabled the artist to acquaint himself with not only its governing traditions, but many of its residents. As a result, his ironic and unapologetic visuals also stand as a testament to his fondness and appreciation of his neighbours from the reservation.
Find out more about American Indian Theme series by Roy Lichtenstein.
ABOUT ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Born in Manhattan in 1923, Roy Lichtenstein was a leading figure in the Pop Art movement during the second half of the 20th century. His distinctive artistic style is inspired by the visual language of consumerism and advertising that pervaded American popular culture at the time, and his work recalls a society of widespread commercialism that has remained powerfully relevant to this day. Learn more about Roy Lichtenstein.
