Roy Lichtenstein Explosion (C.49) 1967 For Sale

Roy Lichtenstein’s Explosion, made in 1967, is a key work from the Pop artist’s ‘comic-art’ period. From an edition of 100, it is a rare print image, as opposed to Reverie and Sweet Dreams, Baby! of the same era, which were issued in larger editions of 200. 

The vivid colours of the cartoon-style captures a more sinister state of warfare; perhaps encapsulating his own experience in the army. In the early 1960s, Lichtenstein’s artworks incorporated images of explosions from popular war comics. This merging of destructive detonation through a cruder, more simplistic cartoon-style rendering with the vibrancy of primary colours arguably desensitises the destruction. 

Printer Irwin Hollander described this print as "pure, simple lithography”. The print is cleverly composed of multiple layers: Lichtenstein’s familiar motifs of bold outline borders, Benday dots and solid primary blocks of colour collide to build textured depth in evoking the visual effect of an explosion. The solid bands of colour in the centre illuminate the immediate intensity of the blast, whilst the striped beams of electric-hued lightening-like bolts fork out of the frame, inferring a seemingly limitless scale. Lichtenstein’s signature Benday dots – seen in the farthest two circular layers - were applied with tusche squeegeed through a grid directly onto the plate, which gives the impression of clouds of smoke in the aftermath of the bang. The loose blue specks in the centre are less stylised than his key motifs seen elsewhere, perhaps indicating the debris of the explosion.  

Buy Roy Lichtenstein Explosion

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

Sell Explosion by Roy Lichtenstein

With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Explosion 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 Explosion print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Roy Lichtenstein prints for sale.