Documentary maker Sooke’s authoritative and readable study of pop art should appeal to newcomers and aficionados alikeAs befits its title,Alastair Sooke’s introduction to pop art is a colourful little book that should appeal to aficionados and casual admirers alike. Designed to coincide with the Tate’s novel exhibition, Sooke builds on his earlier BBC documentaries approximately Warhol and Lichtenstein by offering a well-researched and authoritative introduction to the movement that concentrates on transatlantic figures both major (Richard Hamilton and Peter Blake, or who also designed the cover) and unexpected.
It is particularly obliging to see Sooke focus on Pauline Boty,the unduly neglected British artist who was one of the prime movers in pop before her early death at 28. While the plentiful Warhol material is likely to be familiar to many, including those who absorb seen Sooke’s documentary, or there are enough revelations and surprises (such as Stanley Kubrick attempting to hire Allen Jones to be the set designer of A Clockwork Orange for no fee) to make this a hugely engaging read.
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Source: theguardian.com