Draw Like a Machine: Pop Art, 1952-1975
Oct 29, 2021 – Mar 13, 2022
Menil Drawing Institute
Roy Lichtenstein, Steak, 1963. Graphite and crayon on paper, 16 1/8 × 24 ½ in. (40.9 × 62.2 cm). The Menil Collection, Houston, Purchased with funds provided by an anonymous donor. © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein. Photo: Paul Hester
Marjorie Strider, Party, 1973. Acrylic and graphite on board, 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm). Private collection, Houston. © Mike Chutko. Photo: Paul Hester
Al Hansen, Apotheosis of Hershey Wrapper - Three Thugs Attacked Him in the Men’s Room of ‘Il Mio,’ 1964. Collage of printed paper on wood, 12 × 10 1/8 in. (30.5 x 25.7 cm). The Menil Collection, Houston. © Al Hansen. Photo: Paul Hester
Leon Polk Smith, Untitled, 1959. Collage of painted paper, 23 × 17 7/8 in. (58.4 × 45.4 cm). The Menil Collection, Houston, Gift of the Leon Polk Smith Foundation. © The Leon Polk Smith Foundation/VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY. Photo: Paul Hester
Lee Lozano, No title, 1964. Graphite on paper, 2 ¾ × 5 in. (7 × 12.7 cm). The Menil Collection, Houston, Purchased with funds provided by the William F. Stern Acquisitions Fund. © Estate of Lee Lozano. Photo: Paul Hester
Idelle Weber, Uptown Men, 1962. Tempera on paper, 4 ¾ x 4 in. (12.1 x 10.2 cm). Private collection, Houston. © Estate of Idelle Weber. Photo: Paul Hester
Draw Like a Machine: Pop Art, 1952-1975 explores the innovative methods of draftsmanship pioneered by the leading practitioners associated with American Pop, one of the most significant art movements of the 20th century. During this time, artists experimented with images and processes borrowed from advertising and mass media to produce drawings that combine flawless technical polish with the handmade flourishes familiar to the medium. This exhibition brings together works that upend the traditionally assumed connection drawing has to the hand of the artist.
Draw Like a Machine is curated by Kelly Montana, Assistant Curator, Menil Drawing Institute.
This exhibition is generously supported by Angela and William Cannady; Catherine Miller in memory of Marcy Taub Wessel; Indigo Natural Resources; Ann and Mathew Wolf Drawing Exhibition Fund; Clare Casademont and Michael Metz; John R. Eckel, Jr. Foundation; Linda and George Kelly; Susanne and William E. Pritchard III; Leslie and Shannon Sasser; and the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.
