This is the 91st episode in our VTV Classics (r3) series. VTV Classics (r3) highlights the treasures of VernissageTV’s huge archive. Back then published in Standard Definition, these classics are now re-mastered, re-edited and reissued in High Definition.
James Rosenquist worked on large-scale throughout his career. Since 1980 Rosenquist has painted six vast “billboard paintings” three of which were on display at Haunch of Venison’s “Z Room” at The Old Truman Brewery in London during Frieze London art fair in 2006. Work of James Rosenquist was also shown at Haunch of Venison’s venues 6 Haunch of Venison Yard and Bruton Street.
James Rosenquist was an influential American artist known primarily for his contributions to the Pop Art movement. Born on November 29, 1933, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, he studied at the Minneapolis School of Art and later at the Art Students League in New York City.
Rosenquist gained fame in the 1960s for his large-scale, billboard-like paintings that often incorporated elements from advertising, mass media, and consumer culture. His most famous works include:
“F-111” (1964-65): A monumental painting spanning 86 feet, which juxtaposes images of consumer goods with a fighter jet, critiquing both the Vietnam War and American consumerism.
“President Elect” (1960-61): A striking image of John F. Kennedy’s face amidst a collage of consumer products, reflecting on the intersection of politics and advertising.
His technique involved using stencils and airbrushing, techniques borrowed from commercial sign painting, which gave his work a distinct, almost photographic quality. Over time, Rosenquist’s work evolved, but he continued to explore themes of consumerism, technology, and the human condition through a variety of media, including painting, printmaking, and sculpture.
Rosenquist passed away on March 31, 2017. His influence extends beyond Pop Art, as he continued to engage with contemporary issues through his art, maintaining a significant presence in the art world. His works are held in major collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.
James Rosenquist at Haunch of Venison, London, October 11 – November 18, 2006. Impressions from the opening, October 10, 2006. First published October 13, 2006.
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