Tom Wesselmann

One of the founders of the Pop Art movement, Tom Wesselmann has created art in a variety of genres and media, from his early work in painting, collage, and assemblage; to his well-known series of pop paintings titled "Smokers" and "Bedroom Paintings" among others; and finally his most recent work, consisting of laser-cut aluminum and steel "drawings," often painted in color. This volume traces Wesselmann's development and aspirations from his first collages of nudes in tight, patterned interiors, reminiscent of Vuillard and Matisse, to his recent explorations of novel ways of translating spontaneous doodles into monumental and beautiful metal "drawings" and paintings. Wesselmann's school experiences are discussed, as well as his reactions to abstract expressionism, and the influence of other artists, especially de Kooning.