ROY LICHTENSTEIN, AMERICAN INDIAN THEME IV, AMERICAN INDIAN THEME SERIES, SIGNED WOODCUT ON HANDMADE SUZUKI PAPER, EDITION OF 50, 1980
Representing Roy Lichtenstein’s second period of engagement with Native American art and culture, American Indian Theme IV belongs to the artist’s American Indian Theme series from the 1970s and 80s.
American Indian Theme IV depicts a select part of a wooden surface, the trunk of a tree or perhaps the belly of a totem pole. Dark pigments are used to indicate the depth of the carvings where the tiny square eyes, the downturned mouth and cross shaped nose sit. Similar to the boldly gazing eye captured in Lichtenstein’s American Indian Theme III of the same series, a fierce expression is fixed upon the figure’s face.
A bright yellow braided piece of rope is wrapped around the jagged right edge, while maroon coloured threads poke out of the holes located along the left side of the wood. The rope and the ragged detail in particular are both recurring elements featured in Lichtenstein’s American Indian Theme series. The composition is fastened on a white background, reminiscent of a newly developed photograph being placed on a light table, illuminated from below.
American Indian Theme IV ponders the representation of indigenous artefacts, as well as referencing the visual style of mass produced contemporary printed materials.
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.
