James Rosenquist

Art Appreciation

James Rosenquist, born on November 29, 1933, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, was the only child of Louis and Ruth Rosenquist. His parents, both amateur pilots of Swedish descent, moved frequently in search of work, eventually settling in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Encouraged by his mother, who was also a painter, Rosenquist developed an early interest in art. He won a scholarship to study at the Minneapolis School of Art during junior high and later attended the University of Minnesota from 1952 to 1954. In 1955, he moved to New York City on a scholarship to study at the Art Students League, where he was influenced by abstract artists. 

While in New York, Rosenquist supported himself by working as a billboard painter, applying his skills to large-scale advertisements around Times Square. This experience profoundly influenced his artistic style. 

In 1960, he shifted his focus to fine art, utilizing his commercial art techniques to create large-scale paintings that explored the role of advertising and consumer culture in society. His breakthrough came with the 1965 exhibition of his monumental painting F-111 at the Leo Castelli Gallery, which garnered international acclaim. 

Rosenquist's art is characterized by the use of fragmented images from advertisements and popular culture, often employing elements of surrealism to emphasize the overwhelming nature of consumerism. Notable works include President Elect (1960–61), which juxtaposes a portrait of John F. Kennedy with consumer goods, and Marilyn Monroe, I (1962), reflecting his commentary on fame and media. His technique involved large-scale compositions that challenged viewers to consider the pervasive influence of advertising. 

Throughout his career, Rosenquist received numerous honors, including selection as "Art In America Young Talent USA" in 1963 and appointment to a six-year term on the Board of the National Council of the Arts in 1978. 

In 2001, he was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. His works are held in major public and private collections worldwide, and he has been featured in solo exhibitions at institutions such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. 

President Elect (1960-61)

Marilyn Monroe I (1962)

The Swimmer in the Econo-mist (1997-1998)

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.moma.org/collection/works/79805

https://www.jamesrosenquiststudio.com/page/f-111

https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/93