Claes Oldenburg's Lipstick Ascending Artwork

Questions and Answers

What is the image number?

-150

Who is the artist?

Claes Oldenburg

What culture does the artwork belong to?

Pop art

What is the date range of the artwork?

1966-74 CE Signup and view all the answers

What medium was used for the artwork?

Weathered steel Signup and view all the answers

Describe the artist and his accomplishments.

Had a show called The Store. Commented on the function of art as a composite in society. Common objects show things about us, blowing them up makes us think about their meaning. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the artwork.

Lipstick mounted on a tank, lipstick can inflate and deflate, remade it in metal, feminine and masculine, shows power of women in war. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the artwork?

Social commentary on American consumerism, common object in public sculpture causes us to reflect, shows us obsession with beauty and consumption to fuel and distract from violence in Vietnam. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the artwork located?

In the middle of the square between the WWI memorial and Yale president's office. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Artwork Overview

Title: Lipstick Ascending on Caterpillar Tracks.
Created by Claes Oldenburg, prominent figure in the Pop Art movement.
Date of creation ranges from 1966-74 CE.

Artist Background

Claes Oldenburg is known for his large-scale public art that often incorporates everyday objects.
His exhibition "The Store" challenged the function and perception of art within society.
Oldenburg's work encourages viewers to question the meaning behind common objects.

Artistic Features

The sculpture features a giant tube of lipstick mounted on a military tank.
Lipstick is designed to inflate and deflate, symbolizing transformation and duality.
The choice of materials includes weathered steel, reinforcing a sense of durability and resilience.

Themes and Interpretation

The artwork juxtaposes femininity and masculinity, reflecting the complexities of gender roles.
It serves as social commentary on American consumerism and the obsession with beauty.
The piece critiques how consumer culture can distract from societal issues, such as the violence associated with the Vietnam War.

Location

Positioned in a public square, strategically placed between the World War I Memorial and the Yale President's Office, integrating historical and civic contexts.

Description

Explore Claes Oldenburg's iconic sculpture 'Lipstick Ascending on Caterpillar Tracks', created between 1966-74. This artwork combines elements of Pop Art with commentary on gender roles and consumerism through its striking imagery of a lipstick tube on a military tank. Dive into the themes and artistic features that challenge conventional perceptions of art.