Whaam! exemplifies Lichtenstein's use of comic book imagery and his adaptation of commercial printing techniques to create high art. The painting's dramatic subject matter and bold style capture the energy and visual language of popular culture.
Born: October 27, 1923, New York City, USA
Died: September 29, 1997, New York City, USA
Nationality: American
Style: Pop Art
Influences: Comic strips, advertising, American popular culture
Major Exhibitions: "Whaam!" (1963), "Drowning Girl" (1963), "Look Mickey" (1961)
Quote: "I'm not really sure what social message my art carries, if any. And I don't really want it to carry one. I'm not interested in the subject matter to try to teach society anything particular."
This large-scale diptych painting depicts a fighter jet firing a missile at another plane, with the explosion rendered in bold, graphic style. Lichtenstein appropriated the imagery from a comic book panel, using his signature Ben-Day dots to mimic the look of commercial printing.
