In a society where it is impossible to avoid the constant broadcast of media and consumerism, one must reject tradition and simply transform this influence into our own personal interpretations: creating the “Pop Art” style.
Introduced in 1950’s United States and United Kingdom, people craved control of their own life after undergoing the brutal war-driven environment of the previous decade. Their world needed color, vibrancy, and reason to bring humor into the more serious and dull aspects of life. “Pop Art”, named after “Popular Culture” and its use of mixed mediums, perfectly captured the irony and parody of the “Swinging’ Sixties” movement where mass consumerism created a disposable world.
Cory Bennett Anderson is all too familiar with this style, as he presents the beloved symbols of American culture with classic mixed mediums that represent our modern-day “melting pot” society. With his latest pieces featuring the beloved characters of Steamboat Mickey, Betty Boop, Felix the Cat, and Captain America, Anderson has truly presented the likings of popular culture…
Mixed Media Original on Board
30” x 40”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was a friend of the civil rights movement and the progression of desegregation of the United States. In 1963 JFK addressed the nation and spoke forcefully on civil rights and said it was a moral issue that needed to be changed. He said “Our nation was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.”
In Cory Anderson’s JFK painting, he used maps, photos, and illustrations that represented the time and culture of the 35th president . The map of Cape Cod was where the Kennedys lived as well as the base for his presidential campaign.
Anderson incorporated the GE logo as a reminder of how America is often steered by conglomerates and cooperations. JFK was one of the richest presidents and in the past had openly spoke out against GE as a representative of Boston, stating they should not qualify for tax exceptions.
Anderson finished off the painting with comic box strips from an early edition of Avengers to embellish what it must have felt like being the 35th president.