Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein, the renowned American pop artist, was born on October 27, 1923.

At the age of fourteen in 1937, Roy Lichtenstein received his first art book, Thomas Craven’s Modern Art: The Men, the Movements, the Meaning. The book influenced his early visual interests and artistic development.

In 1943, Roy Lichtenstein began his journey as a painter.

In 1950, Untitled Lyrical Abstractions were displayed for the first time in a solo exhibition at Condon Riley Gallery in New York. The paintings showcased minimal bright colors on unprimed backgrounds, with some featuring heavy impasto and traces of instant coffee, described as washy, waterish, and thinly painted.

In 1951, Roy Lichtenstein created the painting 'Washington Crossing the Delaware II' which is an oil on canvas piece measuring 24 × 30 inches. The artwork is part of the collection at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University.

Lichtenstein's third solo exhibition at John Heller Gallery featured paintings on American folklore themes, depictions of clock and gear parts based on engineering blueprints, and works that included toys. Critics Robert Rosenblum and Porter reviewed the show for Art Digest and Artnews.

In January 1957, Roy Lichtenstein had a solo exhibition at John Heller Gallery, showcasing paintings with Americana themes. Critics described his works as 'acrid in color' and 'flatly patterned, spontaneously felt depictions of a grown-up's child-world.'

Roy Lichtenstein painted 'Variations No. 7' in 1959. It is an oil on canvas piece that is part of the Collection of the Whitney Museum of American Art.

On January 1, 1960, Roy Lichtenstein began his teaching career at Rutgers University.

In 1961, Roy Lichtenstein's art was displayed in New York by Leo Castelli, showcasing his unique style and contribution to the art world.

On November 9, 1961, Leo Castelli sold Roy Lichtenstein's first work, I Can See the Whole Room! . . . And There’s Nobody in It!, to Burton and Emily Hall Tremaine.

From September 28 to October 24, Roy Lichtenstein's second solo exhibition at Leo Castelli gallery includes iconic works like Drowning Girl, Baseball Manager, Torpedo...LOS!, and Whaam!

On January 1, 1964, Roy Lichtenstein began creating his first Pop Art pieces, marking a significant shift in his artistic style and paving the way for a new movement in the art world.

Life magazine publishes an article with the provocative title 'Is He the Worst Artist in the U.S.?', suggested by author Dorothy Seiberling and Leo Steinberg. The artist, who approves of the title, remains unnamed.

In June 1965, Roy Lichtenstein had his show at Galerie Sonnabend in Paris. The opening of the show was attended by many, including the photographer Shunk-Kender.

In March-April 1966, Roy Lichtenstein was in Caracas, Venezuela, promoting Jacinto Quirarte’s show Pop Art: La Nueva Imagen, which was sponsored by Tabacalera Nacional/Philip Morris International.

From June 18 to October 16, 1966, Roy Lichtenstein, along with Helen Frankenthaler, Ellsworth Kelly, and Jules Olitski, represented the United States at the 33rd Venice Biennale in an exhibition organized by Henry Geldzahler. He also traveled to Venice for the opening.

The Cleveland Museum of Art showcases the first solo museum exhibition featuring works by Roy Lichtenstein, which was organized by Ed Henning.

A poster billboard featuring the painting RLCR 995 is revealed at the intersection of La Cienega Blvd. and Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles to promote an upcoming show at the Pasadena Art Museum. The posters were created by Foster and Kleiser Outdoor Advertising as a donation to the museum.

Roy Lichtenstein, along with Helen Frankenthaler, Kelly, and Jules Olitski, represented the United States at the 33rd Venice Biennale in an exhibition organized by Henry Geldzahler. He traveled to Venice for the opening.

Time magazine showcases his depiction of a gun on the cover for the article 'The Gun in America.'

He is honored with a lifelong fellowship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In 1969, Lichtenstein had his first New York retrospective at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. This exhibition showcased his artistic journey and contributions to the art world.

In 1970, Roy Lichtenstein resigned from teaching at Rutgers University to relocate to New York and immerse himself in the art scene.

In 1979, Roy Lichtenstein was elected to the National Institute of Arts and Letters, which was later elevated to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1993 in New York.

On May 3, Roy Lichtenstein is commissioned to create a mural for the lobby of the Equitable Tower (now AXA Equitable Center) in midtown Manhattan.

The 31-foot-high aluminum Brushstroke sculpture, titled Coups de pinceau, is erected at Caisse des Dépôts in Paris, showcasing Lichtenstein's artistic prowess.

Two Interior paintings by Roy Lichtenstein were included in the Whitney Museum's Biennale from April 2 to June 16, 1991.

Modern Head, based on a 1974 sculpture, was installed in Battery Park City in Lower Manhattan from May 15 to October 31, 1991. The sculpture was later recovered after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

In 1992, Roy Lichtenstein's retrospective exhibition took place at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, showcasing his iconic artworks.

On July 9, 1993, Roy Lichtenstein is awarded an honorary doctorate from the Royal College of Art in London, recognizing his significant contributions to the art world.

An interview conducted by chief staff art critic Michael Kimmelman on the artist's favorite pieces at the museum is published in the New York Times.

The artist receives the National Medal of Arts at a gala ceremony in Washington, D.C., presented by President and Mrs. Clinton.

From September 28 to October 26, 1996, an exhibition titled 'Roy Lichtenstein: Landscapes in the Chinese Style' was presented at Leo Castelli.

Roy Lichtenstein passed away in September 1997 due to severe pneumonia.

Roy Lichtenstein passes away unexpectedly at New York University Medical Center in Manhattan due to complications from pneumonia.

On April 9, 1998, the Roy Lichtenstein Study Center for Contemporary Art was dedicated by the American Friends of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art in Israel.

On September 29, 1998, Roy Lichtenstein passed away unexpectedly at New York University Medical Center in Manhattan due to complications from pneumonia.

In 2019, the Roy Lichtenstein Study Collection was gifted to the Whitney Museum of American Art by the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation. This collection includes significant works by Lichtenstein, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of his artistic legacy.

The exhibition 'Roy Lichtenstein: History in the Making, 1948 – 1960' showcases the formative works of artist Roy Lichtenstein from 1948 to 1960, including pieces like Variations No. 7. It is scheduled to run from August 25, 2022, to January 08, 2023.

The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation has generously donated 186 artworks to five museums in anticipation of the artist's centennial celebration. This significant donation will contribute to the preservation and promotion of Lichtenstein's artistic legacy.