Roy Lichtenstein Roommates 1994 (C.282) For Sale

Roommates (1994) is one of a series of nine screenprints, known as the Nude series, Roy Lichtenstein produced that year on the subject of nudes. Exploring new techniques and composition in his later career through the prism of his fascination with the sensual comic girl characters of his 1960s Pop Art paintings, Roommates explores the highly sexualised portrayal of women throughout art history as well as contemporary society.

Roommates stages an intimate domestic scene: two female characters sharing a quiet moment, yet there is a suggestion that beyond the interior bliss, something is amiss. One naked figure louchely lying on the bed reads; the other is signature Lichtenstein, with bold blonde bob and red lip, she pokes her startled head into the frame gazing directly at the viewer. What is the nature of the roommates’ relationship? The viewer is invited with each glance to form our own narrative on this female union.

The interior scene connects motifs that Lichtenstein played with throughout his career, even self-referencing his earlier series’, Mirror, Reflections, and Interiors in this composition, as well as representations of the work of other artists, where recognisable geometric shapes feature on the background walls. On closer inspection, hanging on the left-hand wall is Lichtenstein’s version of a painting by Dutch artist, Theo Van Doesburg, whilst the composition of the two female figures is based on a 1963 comic book edition, ‘Young Love.’ As if to emphasise the beauty and power of the female form, the curvilinear shapes of the women characters are directly contrasted against the rigidity of the interior design and figurative pieces: a plant in the foreground, a geometric mirror, the frames and lamp in the background all created in bright hues. These interior items also circle back to Lichtenstein’s series in the 70s, Still Lifes, inspired by old masters such as Cezanne and Picasso.

Roommates is indicative of Lichtenstein’s new approach to composition and colour in his later period of works: the print employs both hand cut stencils and computer-generated dye cut stencils (using Swan Engraving for the first time) to produce his signature Ben day dots. Also due to overlapping ink in print runs, new colourways form and build up surface density of the composition – note the solid swathes of red stripes and patches of black and blue dots to evoke volume and depth on the canvas.

Buy Roy Lichtenstein Roommates

Andipa Editions, as part of Andipa, have been at the forefront of the Lichtenstein market for over 20 years. To enquire about buying Roommates by Roy Lichtenstein, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371.

Sell Roommates by Roy Lichtenstein

With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Roommates print. Straight-forward and stress-free, we manage the process on your behalf and help to maximise your return. For a complimentary valuation of your Roy Lichtenstein Roommates print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Roy Lichtenstein prints for sale.