Composition 1 is part of Roy Lichtenstein’s Composition series, created in the mid-90s, where he visually interprets the freeform spirit of music within a four-print sequence.
Lichtenstein’s musical upbringing inspired him to create Composition 1, exploring how the spontaneous qualities of music could be translated onto canvas using traditional art techniques and commercial design methodologies.
Lichtenstein employs a precisely framed composition filled with looping musical notations winding around the canvas. His signature diagonal stripes and Ben Day dots form the backdrop for vertical formats. The piece brings an imaginary music sheet to life with potent black and white lines, red and black notes, all set against a boldly coloured background in bright blue, red, and yellow. He liberates the notes and staves from their horizontal forms, creating an energetic and fluid investigation into the power of symphony in our lives.