Lichtenstein Outdoors in Miami

Best known as a painter, Roy Lichtenstein was also a prolific sculptor. He began making sculptural works in the early 1960's, just after his first exhibition of paintings at Leo Castelli Gallery. His earliest sculptures were renderings of utilitarian objects and mannequin style heads, both directly influenced by the representation of commercial techniques in his painting. As his career progressed, Lichtenstein's sculpture evolved with his painting. In the 1980's this convergence of media culminated in his monumental brushstroke sculptures. Evoking the movement and color of paint on canvas, these totem-like works suspend the artist's sweeping brushstrokes in midair.

If you find yourself in the Miami area before the end of May make sure to stop into the Fairchild Tropical Gardens which is currently exhibiting a series of Lichtenstein's beautiful pop sculptures. Much like the events that the Atlanta Botanical Gardens have done with Dale Chihuly and Niki de Saint Phalle in the past, the Art in the Garden series at Fairchild seamlessly blends the natural beauty of the gardens with stunning artwork.

I could write tons about both the gardens and the artist, but I'm in a time pinch today, so in the meantime I'll leave you to do your own hunting about both if you're interested.

Check out this awesome video about the exhibit at: http://miamibeach.plumtv.com/videos/art_basel_miami_beach_2007_roy_lichtenstein_fairchild