Artist Investigation: Tom Wesselmann by Neale Druffel

Biography

Tom Wesselmann was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on February 23rd, 1931. His college career began in 1945 at a small Ohio school named Hiram College. Six years later he decided to take up psychology at The University of Cincinnati. Soon after beginning at U.C. he was called in by our country to serve in the military. During this time Wesselmann began drawing cartoons as an escape from the surrounding war. After returning from Korea, he resumed his studies at the Art Academy in Cincinnati and then Cooper Union School for Arts and Architecture in New York. After school he stayed in New York and paid the bills by teaching at a local high school and drawing cartoons for numerous magazines. His earliest work was influenced by abstract expressionism, specifically Willem de Kooning but he decided to derive from abstraction in the 60’s. Around this time Pop Art originated, this was the depiction of icons of consumer society. Wesselmann used his earlier abstract collages to produce his first and most famous pop art series of nudes titled, “Great American Nudes.” Alongside Warhol, Lichtenstein, Rosenquist and Oldenburg, Wesselmann went on to become one of the most prominent artist of the Pop Art generation. In 1961 his first single exhibition took place at the Tanager Gallery in New York. One year later his international career with numerous exhibitions and galleries took off. In 1964 he began additional series including “Bedroom Paintings,” “Seascapes” and “Smokers.” In 1983 his first metal works based off drawings began to take shape. After complications with heart surgery Wesselmann died on December 17th, 2004. He was 73.

Wesselmann Would and was if you’re wondering:

- Tom Wesselmann was originally from Cincinnati

- He was on of the founders of the Pop Art movement

- One of his main models for his work was his wife, Claire Selley

- He originally wanted to be a cartoonist

- Wesselmann would sometimes fill the background with other artists’ paintings. Some of the artists included Matisse and Mondrian. This inclusion was to signify that art had become mundane and a part of mass produced society.



Theme and Style

Tom wesselmann was a Pop Artist. He simplified and reduced objects and women to the bare essentials. Although he did numerous still lives throughout his career I think sex was the predominant reoccurring theme in his work. Nude women and every day objects were his constant subject matter. He would juxtapose these mundane man made objects against the natural beauty of women. Most of the time the women portrayed would be in erotic and provocative poses. Most of the women also wore prominent tan lines. This element illustrates the tension of nudity during the time. Although covered in public, Wesselmann revealed and displayed every aspect of the female figure to be embraced.

Analyze


Black Stocking Brunette
Liquitex and pencil on Bristol
8” by 18.75”
1980




This work stands out to me because of the use of color and composition. The simple vibrant shades of orange brown and pink cause the naked body to become illuminated against the white background. The body becomes a bold provocative object that is unavoidable. The body stretches across the surface moving the eye in, out and around the space and body while the arm and legs act as inroads to the figure, projecting focus onto the female anatomy. The change in tone from the tan lines also help in emphasizing the breast and crouch areas as the focal points of this piece. This piece is about the beauty of the nude and the female sex appeal. The decision to include just stockings, lips, nipples and pubic hair all add to the sex appeal. Wesselmann simplifies the subject just enough to still be graphic and sexy yet withholds enough detail to avoid pornography.

Response

Before this research project I only knew of a name and a style I loved. It was Tom Wesselmann, that guy that does those simple graphic nudes of women. I was attracted equally by the Pop Art style as well as the subject matter. I had never seen a mainstream artist expose the female figure in this manner before. I think it’s great! He puts the female body right in front of your face to confront the audience. I think part of his reasoning is that there is nothing wrong with nudity or sex. It should not be hidden or frowned upon, its life, its beauty, and its real.

I also really appreciate the variety of media he experimented with and mastered throughout his career. This to me is a true artist, getting your hands dirty and experimenting with anything you can get your hands on or imagine. The evolution of his work is amazing. Wesselmann progressed from small simple nude drawings into gigantic painted metal sculptures. As an artist one of my goals is to experiment with as many mediums as possible.

Upon reading Wassermann’s biography I was happy to see how many schools he had gone to and how late of a start he got on his career. I have been to three institutions so far and I was starting to become concerned if I would ever make it. He is a great inspiration for me and proof that it is never to late and you never know what will happen. Originally Tom Wesselmann wanted to be a comic and ended up being one of the godfathers of Pop Art.