ROY LICHTENSTEIN, TWO FIGURES WITH TEEPEE, AMERICAN INDIAN THEME SERIES, ETCHING WITH AQUATINT, EDITION OF 32, 1980
Roy Lichtenstein’s Two Figures With Teepee was constructed in 1980, as part of the artist’s American Indian Theme series. Two Figures With Teepee employs a particular etching technique referred to as intaglio. Rather than using wood as its base, the image here has been carefully engraved onto a metallic surface. Aquatint was applied in conjunction with the etching, producing areas of tone and texture rather than definite outlines.
The resulting imprint shows a green and blue striped triangular shape slightly off centre, a teepee as its title indicates, enclosed by floating yellow crosses symbolising the sun. The feathered part of an arrow, most commonly known as the fletching, covers the majority of the left of the work. There are numerous feathers on it, deep green like an upside down grove of pine trees, set against an intense crimson background.
The work conjoins the two most characteristic elements recurring in the American Indian Theme series; the block of ragged wood and the thick braided rope. The two figures stand facing each other, coasting on the rippled black and white patterns that adorn the bottom half of the work.
Two Figures With Teepee maintains a balance between static and active with the help of its chosen visual components.It is also a confrontation of the most familiar objects of Indian symbolic ornamentation and heritage.
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.
