Crying Girl by Roy Lichtenstein was created primarily to serve as an invitation for his significant exhibition at the Leo Castelli Gallery in New York.
Purpose and Creation
Roy Lichtenstein, a pivotal figure in the Pop Art movement, conceived Crying Girl not merely as a standalone artwork but with a specific functional purpose. Its design as an exhibition invitation underscored the commercial and accessible nature often explored within Pop Art, blurring the lines between fine art and mass-produced media, such as comic books and advertisements.
Key Details of the Artwork
This iconic piece of art is part of a limited production, indicating its deliberate creation and distribution as both an artistic statement and a promotional tool.
- Original Intent: Designed as an invitation to Roy Lichtenstein's exhibition at the prestigious Leo Castelli Gallery in New York.
- Edition Size: It was produced as part of an edition of five unique works.
- Notable Acquisition: One particular work from this edition was acquired in 1965, soon after its creation.
- Current Location: This piece is now a valued part of the permanent collection at the Milwaukee Art Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Recent Viewing: As of April 2019, the artwork was on public display, allowing visitors to experience Lichtenstein's distinctive style firsthand.
This strategic creation as an invitation highlights Lichtenstein's innovative approach to art, where the artwork itself could serve multiple functions beyond traditional display, extending its reach directly to prospective viewers and collectors.
