Pop! The World of Pop Art

Pop art is one of the most pivotal movements in modern art. It challenged the conventional idea of fine art and recognised the pervasive nature of materialism and consumerism that had taken over 20th century society. This beautifully illustrated book explores Pop art's origins in modern European avant-garde movements such as Cubism and Dadaism, prior to its true beginnings in early 1950's London with the Independent Group and their fascination with American popular culture - leading to the name "Pop". Guiding the reader through the work of some of the most well-known practitioners, such as Warhol and Lichtenstein, this compelling book also travels the world to examine how Pop art influenced artists as far afield as Italy, Spain, Finland, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Key figures include Japan's Yayoi Kusama and Italy's Mimmo Rotella. POP! The World of Pop Art explains how - and why - this movement appealed to so many diverse artists on so many levels, including often overlooked female artists who were central to the Pop art scene. Finally, POP! considers the influence of Pop art on other genres, in particular as the precursor to post-modernism and contemporary forms of art. With 15 faithfully reproduced documents, including items from the studios of a number of artists, POP! The World of Pop Art gives a unique insight into this celebrated movement.

John Finlay studied Art History and Theory at Essex University (1989- 92) and received his MA (1993) and PhD from the Courtauld Institute of Art, London (1998). He is a historian of French history, specialising in twentieth-century modern art. He has contributed to international journals, including the Burlington Magazine and Apollo Magazine (both UK), with articles on topics including Picasso, Giacometti, Cubism and Surrealism. His previous book Picasso's World (2011) is published by Goodman Books (London) and Larousse (as Le Monde de Picasso).