The use of Pop-Art icons in New Zealand

After producing a couple of recent paintings I thankfully got a little publicity, but was interested to find that the manager of a particular New Zealand celebrity was quite unhappy with the use of the image.

Pop art is all about taking popular themes from modern culture and turning it into an art form of some type. One dictionary definition of Pop art is:

"(Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Movements) a movement in modern art that imitates the methods, styles, and themes of popular culture and mass media, such as comic strips, advertising, and science fiction"

Andy Warhol is a perfect example of this, using icons such as Campbell's soup cans, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Munroe (to name but a few) as subjects for his paintings. A few more examples (a little more closer to home) would works of art including kiwi icons such as Edmonds baking powder, the Four Square guy and even The Phantom. Pop art is a major passion of mine and one day while chilling out with a Red Bull, I started to think about themes of New Zealand popular culture and of course the first thing that came to my mind was RUGBY.

Of course! Why has no one in New Zealand ever produced art relating to rugby? (any that I was aware of anyway) After all, it's a part of who we are, it's our history, our present and our future passion - love it or hate it, exposure to rugby is a part of living in New Zealand. It is the perfect theme for New Zealand pop art and I planned to use it.

After producing portraits of two of our greatest current players I have received both good and bad reviews. Firstly, it is important to point out my initial intention (mentioned above), secondly - ask any Kiwi who they think are the most recognisable faces of current New Zealand rugby, and they will likely mention either Dan Carter or Ritchie McCaw. The use of their image is ethical and purely due to their international recognition as icons of New Zealand rugby, and icons of New Zealand popular culture. Their use in art is also a tribute to the great game of Rugby and recognition of it's place in Kiwi Culture, which we as New Zealanders are so passionate about. On an different tangent, celebrities choose to be part of the public domain, and use of their image is completley legal.

People who try to stop the use of pop culture symbols are in danger of stifling the progression of Kiwi art and even freedom of expression, weather they do so intentionally or not.

*End of rant*

I'm interested to know your opinions guys!
 

Edit: Links deleted due to un-constructive criticism (not naming anyone BENJAMIN) bear in mind that it was the media writing that article and they often take quotes out of context! I'm actually generally interested in your opinions and any similar experiences.

Thanks Dudes

www.atom1746.co.nz