He throws life experiences, icons of popular culture, fashion, comics, television, advertising, consumerism, urban art, music, graphic design and so much more into a huge pot, gives it a stir, and creates pop art to his very own recipe! Meet Spain’s leading pop artist Javier Melus and find out how he ticks and works, how he gets inspired and how he turns what’s happening in the world around him into art. No limits is definitely his motto, as he combines luxury goods labels with American comic characters on discarded road signs or wooden slats. Anything that catches his attention gets used, leading from one idea into another and then into a concept. No wonder then that he has fans in private clients and collectors all around the world. Watch the video to get inspired yourself and then go to his website for his latest creations to see what might tickle your fancy! (javiermelus.es)
Javier Melus – Pop Art
Pop Art is a world-famous modern era style of art adapted by many artists across the world. One Spanish artist making headlines in this style is Javier Melus. TA-DAH.TV caught up with him whilst exhibiting on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia, Spain. Before heading over to the European-wide channel’s Art & Culture section to hear from the man himself, here is everything you need to know about Javier Melus and the crazy world of Pop Art.
What is Pop Art?
Pop Art as a famous art movement, started in the 1950s, and was deemed a revolution against traditional art. It challenged the traditional methods and views of fine art, instead focusing on pop culture and incorporating its imagery into artistic pieces. Flourishing across America and Britain, well-established, household names were born as a result of this exceptional shift in the art world, including the world-famous Warhol, Lichtenstein, David Hockney, and Peter Blake. Often inspired by imagery of the advertising world, consumerism plays a huge part in the pop art movement. Most notably, Andy Warhol’s use of Campbell’s Tomato Soup in his famous 1962 piece. You hear the name Warhol and instantly picture images of the ever-beautiful Marilyn Monroe, depicted using the silk-screening technique. It is not unusual within the pop art movement to spot notable faces of the period, in fact this is a popular choice, with many pop artists focusing on the images of famous singers, actors, and musicians. Despite its roots in the 50s and 60s, Pop Art is still popular today, with modern day artists continuing the movement, with their own styles.
Javier Melus and His Pop Art Style
Self-taught Javier Melus discovered his love for art at a young age, venturing outside to paint the world around him. His passion derived from the influences of artists such as Warhol, Basquiat, and Equipo Crónica. Choosing to explore popular culture in his art, you will spot famous cartoon and Disney characters such as Pink Panther and Bart Simpson. With consumerism being the key focus of his art with the incorporation of recognisable designer brands, such as Louis Vuitton. His aim is to reflect the real world into his work, peppered with a pinch of salty humour, while adding his unique touch.
Melus enjoys exploring using different fabrics and textures to stand out from the crowd. Notably utilising wooden slats and discarded road signs as his canvas. Alternatively, to give a 3D effect, he uses Perspex mounted on a board, making the vibrancy of his bold colour choices pop! Javier Melus really is unique, it is not everyday you catch Mickey Mouse with his trousers down! He has even given Mona Lisa the modern-day makeover. For all pop art fans, you can not ignore the talent of Javier Melus, Spain’s leading pop artist, it is so easy to fall in love with his creative work. Visible in many an exhibition, his art can be found across Europe and the rest of the world. Selling both to private clients and collectors, not just in his native Spain, but across the globe. His work has gained a great following of fans and art lovers.
Pop Art Around the World
Warhol and Lichtenstein are just a snapshot into Pop Art as an artistic movement. Delving deeper into this artistic revolution you will find Pop Art has various interpretations around the world, developing the movement for global audiences. With France, Spain, Japan, Belgium, and even Russia following in the steps of the American and British artists, the world saw various versions of Pop Art form.
Usually as a result of political or social unrest in countries around the world, which was typical of the 60s and 70s, artists sought to incorporate the challenges of the era into their work. Taking dramatic global events and turning them into art was a common theme. Groups of artists even formed to produce artistic pieces. Equipo Crónica, comprised of Rafael Solbes, Manuel Valdes and Juan Antonio Toledo formed in 1964, is just one example of this. This group in particular were inspired by emphasising the importance of art in society, whilst revolting against the fascist movement at the time. Subsequently the revolution of Pop Art can be considered more than just an artistic movement, but also a great message to society.
