In pictures: New exhibition on the birth of Pop Art opens at ArtSpace in Cambridge
An exhibition of trailblazing British Pop Art has opened at ArtSpace, based at 5-7 Portugal Place in Cambridge city centre.
The Cambridge charity has teamed up with The Goldmark Gallery in Uppingham to put on the show.
The exhibition at ArtSpace features pieces from renowned British artists such as Eduardo Paolozzi, Patrick Caulfield, Joe Tilson, Peter Blake, Richard Hamilton, Allen Jones, RB Kitaj, and Michael Rothenstein.
Dr Anna M Dempster, a fellow of Wolfson College at the University of Cambridge who heads up the Cambridge ArtSpace charity, said: “Many people think Pop Art was an American movement but this rebellion against traditional art was pioneered by the Brits who were inspired by consumer imagery to create vivid, brash and eye-popping artworks.
“This major exhibition of over 50 pieces has been made possible by an exciting partnership between Cambridge ArtSpace 5-7 and Goldmark which is rightly hailed as one of the UK’s leading commercial galleries.
“We are hoping that sales will make a significant contribution to the charity’s funds.”
A spokesman for the exhibition added that there is a “big difference” between American Pop Art and British Pop Art – “and we’ll see that as we go through this exhibition”.
He continued: “American artists were surrounded by their own consumer culture, advertising… they also had their own art world to reference.
“They had romantic American landscape painting on the one hand, abstract expressionism, old gestures and colours on the other hand.
“Pop Art fell in the middle – it was a kind of riposte to both…
“British artists, on the other hand, were experiencing American culture as it infiltrated their own, as it came to the shores of the UK.”
Mike Goldmark, who founded Goldmark in Uppingham more than 50 years ago, said: “This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore the bold colours, striking visions, and cultural commentary that defined the Pop Art era.
“It is a must-see event for seasoned collectors, art enthusiasts and fans of the 60s alike. Goldmark has a lot of friends in Cambridge and we are delighted to have the chance to meet them on their home turf.
“It is also a real pleasure to be partnering with such a far-sighted organisation as Cambridge ArtsSpace 5-7 which strives to make the best of art available to all.”
The exhibition opened to the public last Sunday (24 November) and will run on Thursdays and Saturdays and by appointment into February. Admission is free.
Those enamoured with the works will be able to buy them by visiting the gallery in-person or going online at goldmarkart.com/britishpop.
