The installation of Claes Oldenburg’s ‘Paint Torch’ outside the Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts in Philadelphia

Pop artist returns to Philly

Claes Oldenburg's latest public sculpture

Pop artist Claes Oldenburg has not lost the sense of fun that has made his huge public sculptures of everyday objects a hit since the 1970s.

His latest creation Paint Torch was commisioned by the Pennsylvania Academy of Arts in Philadelphia and references both the painting that takes place in the academy and the importance of the state during the American Revolution - the bristles of the brush will be illuminated so that they appear to burn like a flaming torch.

The 82 year old Swedish sculptor watched as the 50 ft tall giant paintbrush was erected just four blocks away from his first ever piece of public sculpture, the 45 ft high Clothes Pin, created for Philadelphia in 1976.

For more images of the installation follow the link to the New York Times blog Artsbeat.

Pop ArtBradford R. Collins

Price AUD$35.00 Price CAD$35.00 Price £17.95 Price T29.95 Price USD$29.95

This new title in the renowned Art & Ideas series is a thorough introduction to, and significant appraisal of, the art of Pop. Bradford Collins explains the essence of Pop art and examines its full history in contemporary cultural and political context – the origins of the movement during the 1950s, the flourishing of Pop art in America and the UK during the 1960s, and its further incarnations and more widespread impact. The 250 illustrations include all the most classic examples of Pop art by such well-known figures as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, as well as lesser known works that have been neglected in recent years but are essential to a thorough understanding of Pop. Contemporary source material used by artists to make their works and consideration of what was in the media at the time support discussions of the inspiration, creation and impact of the art. Specifications:

Format: Paperback
Size: 220 × 160 mm (8 5/8 × 6 1/4 in)
Pages: 448 pp
Illustrations: 250 illustrations
ISBN: 9780714862439

Bradford R. Collins, who teaches at the University of South Carolina, received his Ph.D. in art history from Yale University. His early work on nineteenth-century French art culminated in 12 Views of Manet’s ‘Bar’ (Princeton, 1996). His recent writing has focused on American art following World War II, particularly Abstract Expressionism and Pop. Bradford R. Collins, who teaches at the University of South Carolina, received his Ph.D. in art history from Yale University. His early work on nineteenth-century French art culminated in 12 Views of Manet’s ‘Bar’ (Princeton, 1996). His recent writing has focused on American art following World War II, particularly Abstract Expressionism and Pop.

"There are numerous books that survey Pop art […] what does Collins’ book add to the existing discussion? It’s a brave move by any publisher, but, in fact, Collins’ text skilfully moves through the different eras of Pop starting with its early emergence in 1952 and finishing in 1990... Critically aware, this book offers a historical overview."—Aesthetica

On the Art & Ideas series

"Art & Ideas has broken new ground in making accessible authoritative views on periods, movements and concepts in art. As a series it represents a real advance in publishing."—Sir Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate London

"The format is wonderful and offers what had long been missing in academic studies: usable manuals for specific themes or periods... I am definitely not alone in welcoming Art & Ideas as a precious set of teaching tools."—Joachim Pissarro, Yale University

"Phaidon's series may prove to be the pick of the crop. It boasts expert but undogmatic texts and a wealth of illustrations."—The Sunday Telegraph