Sinister Pop
Nov 15, 2012–Mar 31, 2013
Jasper Johns (b. 1930), Flags, 1967–68. Lithograph, 34 5/16 x 25 1/2 in. (87.2 x 64.8 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of the artist 69.121. Art © Jasper Johns and ULAE / Licensed by VAGA, New York. Published by ULAE
Sinister Pop presents an inventive take on the Museum’s rich and diverse holdings of Pop art from the movement’s inception in the early 1960s through its aftershocks a decade later. Although Pop art often calls to mind a celebration of postwar consumer culture, this exhibition focuses on Pop’s darker side, as it distorts and critiques the American dream. Themes of exaggerated consumption, film noir and the depiction of women in art, the dystopic American landscape, and the intersection of popular culture and politics, are explored through works by acknowledged masters such as Jasper Johns, Claes Oldenburg, Ed Ruscha, and Andy Warhol, as well as by many artists not traditionally associated with Pop whose art may be understood within its wider field of reference. These include William Eggleston, Peter Saul, Christina Ramberg, and Vija Celmins, among others.
The exhibition is the fourth in a two-year series which reassess the Whitney’s collection in anticipation of the Museum’s move downtown. Unfolding chronologically, these exhibitions explore overlooked developments in American art and reconsider iconic figures and works within new contexts.
Sinister Pop is organized by Donna De Salvo, Chief Curator and Deputy Director for Programs, and Scott Rothkopf, Curator and Associate Director of Programs.
Ongoing support for the permanent collection and major support for Sinister Pop is provided by
Bank of America.
Artworks
William Eggleston (b. 1939), Untitled, c. 1972 (printed 1980), from the portfolio Troubled Waters. Dye transfer print, 15 15/16 × 19 15/16in. (40.5 × 50.6 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from Marcia Dunn and Jonathan Sobel 2009.97. © Eggleston Artistic Trust, courtesy Cheim and Read, New York
William Eggleston (b. 1939), Untitled, c. 1960–1965. Gelatin silver print, 14 × 16in. (35.6 × 40.6 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Photography Committee, Niko Elmaleh, Lauren DePalo, The Dorothea L. Leonhardt Foundation, and Diane and Tom Tuft 2008.47. © Eggleston Artistic Trust, courtesy Cheim & Read, New York
Judith Bernstein (b. 1942), “L.B.J.”, 1967. Newspaper, fabric, found paper, charcoal, oil stick, steel wool, and tape on paper, 26 5/8 × 40 × 1 1/2in. (67.6 × 101.6 × 3.8 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Drawing Committee 2010.86. © 1967 Judith Bernstein
Edward Ruscha (b. 1937), Untitled, 1970, from Babycakes with Weights. Gelatin silver print, sheet: 4 1/16 × 5in. (10.3 × 12.7cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from The Leonard and Evelyn Lauder Foundation, and Diane and Thomas Tuft 2004.547 © Ed Ruscha
Claes Oldenburg (b. 1929), Giant Fagends, 1967. Canvas, urethane foam, wire, wood, latex and Formica, 52 × 96 × 96in. (132.1 × 243.8 × 243.8cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Friends of the Whitney Museum of American Art 70.44a-o. © 1969 Claes Oldenburg
Lee Friedlander (b. 1934), Shadow, 1965 (printed 1973), from 15 Photographs, 1975. Gelatin silver print mounted on paper, sheet: 15 3/8 × 20in. (39.1 × 50.8cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of Jeanne and Richard S. Press 2002.463.5. © Lee Friedlander, courtesy Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco
Peter Saul (b. 1934), Highway of Social Justice, 1965. Fiber-tipped pen, crayon, and pen and ink on paper, sheet: 40 × 56in. (101.6 × 142.2 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Sara Roby Foundation 84.48. © Whitney Museum of American Art
Louis Faurer (1916–2001), Viva, 1962. Gelatin silver print, Sheet and Image: 13 13/16 × 9 1/4in. (35.1 × 23.5cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Photography Committee 95.5. Courtesy Estate of Louis Faurer, Mark Faurer, Executor
Andy Warhol, Nine Jackies, 1964. Synthetic polymer and silkscreen ink on canvas, 59 1/2 × 48 1/4 in. (151.1 × 122.6 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of The American Contemporary Art Foundation Inc., Leonard A. Lauder, President 2002.273. © 2018 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Billy Al Bengston (b. 1934), Sterling, 1963. Oil and lacquer on composition board, 58 1/2 × 58 1/2 in. (148.6 × 148.6 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Friends of the Whitney Museum of American Art 69.30. Photograph by Geoffrey Clements
Jasper Johns (b. 1930), Flags, 1967–68. Lithograph, 34 5/16 × 25 1/2 in. (87.2 × 64.8 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of the artist 69.121. Art © Jasper Johns and ULAE / Licensed by VAGA, New York. Published by ULAE
Jim Nutt (b. 1938), She’s Hit, 1967. Synthetic polymer on plexiglass and enamel on wood, 36 × 24 in. (91.4 × 61 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Larry Aldrich Foundation Fund 69.101
William Wegman (b. 1943), Crow, 1970. Gelatin silver print, 10 3/16 × 10 1/4 in. (25.9 × 26 cm). Edition no. 11/70. Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Mrs. Percy Uris Purchase Fund and the Photography Committee 92.15. © William Wegman
Allan D’Arcangelo (1930-1998), Madonna and Child, 1963. Acrylic on canvas, 68 5/8 × 60 3/8 in. (174.3 × 153.4 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Painting and Sculpture Committee 2013.2 Art© Estate of Allan D’Arcangelo, Licensed by VAGA, New York; courtesy the Estate of Allan D’Arcangelo and Garth Greenan Gallery, New York Art © D’Arcangelo Family Partnership/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY
Michael Knigin (1942-2011), Special Bird, 1971. Screenprint, Sheet (Irregular): 30 7/8 × 23 1/4in. (78.4 × 59.1 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of the artist 71.49. © Whitney Museum of American Art, courtesy Joan Kraisky Enterprises, Inc.
Christina Ramberg, (1946-1995), Istrian River Lady, 1974. Acrylic on composition board, overall: 34 1/2 × 30 1/4in. (87.6 × 76.8 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from Mr. and Mrs. Frederic M. Roberts in memory of their son, James Reed Roberts 74.12. Image © Whitney Museum of American Art, courtesy the Estate of Christina Ramberg; Corbett vs. Dempsey, Chicago
Nancy Grossman (b. 1940), Head, 1968. Wood, leather, metal zippers, lacquer and metal nails, 16 × 7 3/4 × 8 3/4 in. (40.64 x 19.69 x 22.23 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Howard and Jean Lipman Foundation, Inc. 68.81a-b. Courtesy Michael Rosenfeld Gallery, LLC, New York
Edward Kienholz (1927-1994), Untitled American President, 1962. Metal, plastic, fabric, paint and chain on wood with ceramic base, overall: 60 1/4 x 13 1/2 × 13 1/2in. (153 × 34.3 × 34.3cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Painting and Sculpture Committee 93.99a-b. © Ed Kienholz, courtesy of L.A. Louver. Photograph by Geoffrey Clements
Lee Lozano (1930-1999), No Title (Grinning Face with Ear/Crank), c. 1962. Graphite pencil on paper, sheet: 9 1/4 × 8 5/8in. (23.5 × 21.9 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of Susan Lorence 2008.247. © The Estate of Lee Lozano, Image © Whitney Museum of American Art
Joel Meyerowitz (b. 1938), Catskill Mountain Resort, 1963 (printed 1999), from Photographs: The Early Years. Gelatin silver print, sheet: 11 × 14in. (27.9 × 35.6cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of Ronald B. Milch 2000.286.8. Courtesy Joel Meyerowitz and Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York
Roy Lichtenstein, Bathroom, 1961. Oil on canvas, 45 3/4 × 69 3/8 in. (116.2 × 176.2 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of The American Contemporary Art Foundation, Inc., Leonard A. Lauder, President 2002.253. © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein
Ralston Crawford (1906-1978), (Man in front of Poster), 1964. Gelatin silver print, sheet: 11 × 13 7/8 in. (27.9 × 35.2 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; jointly owned by the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY; gift of John Crawford 2008.320. © Ralston Crawford Estate
Peter Saul (b. 1934), Saigon, 1967. Enamel, oil, and synthetic polymer on canvas, 92 3/4 × 142 in. (235.6 × 360.7 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Friends of the Whitney Museum of American Art 69.103
Peter Saul (b. 1934) Angela Davis, 1972. Lithograph, sheet: 34 7/8 × 29 7/8in. (88.6 × 75.9 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Print Committee 2009.89. Image © Whitney Museum of American Art
Karl Wirsum (b. 1939), Untitled, 1969. Colored pencil and ballpoint pen on paper, sheet (irregular): 17 1/8 × 14 3/16in. (43.5 × 36 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Drawing Committee 2010.167. Image © Whitney Museum of American Art
Milton Glaser, Don’t Eat Grapes, 1969. Offset lithograph, sheet: 36 1/2 × 26 1/2in. (92.7 × 67.3 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase 2000.90. © Milton Glaser. Image © Whitney Museum of American Art
Events
View all-
Sat,
Jan 31
Learning Series Lectures in Contemporary Art: Women in American Art
5–6 pm
-
Sat,
Jan 31
Learning Series Lectures in Contemporary Art: Women in American Art
3–4 pm
-
Sat,
Jan 24
Learning Series Lectures in Contemporary Art: Women in American Art
5–6 pm
-
Sat,
Jan 24
Learning Series Lectures in Contemporary Art: Women in American Art
3–4 pm
-
Sat,
Nov 22
Learning Series Lectures in Contemporary Art: Women in American Art
5–6 pm
-
Sat,
Nov 22
Learning Series Lectures in Contemporary Art: Women in American Art
3–4 pm
Installation Photography
Installation view of Sinister Pop Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz.
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
Installation view of Sinister Pop (Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, November 15, 2012 – March 4, 2013). Photograph Ron Amstutz
In the News
“With Pop’s popularity comes pressure on museums to make it new, to stop serving up the same old Coke bottles and Brillo boxes. The Whitney, which has substantial holdings of Pop Art, manages to do this in the sharp new collection show Sinister Pop.”
—The New York Times
“This is the Whitney at its best—a kind of tribute to both the institution and the era in which it matured.”
—Co.Design
“The Dark Side: Sinister Pop Opens at the Whitney Museum”
—Vogue