Marilyn, 1974

Celebrated as one of the leading figures of the Pop Art movement, James Rosenquist was an artist whose works drew influence from his previous employment in sign painting, often incorporating the themes of advertisement and consumer culture; President Elect is among his most acclaimed works and features a portrait of John F. Kennedy alongside a picture of a hand holding a cake and the rear view of a Chevrolet – the piece is seen as an analysis of the level of fame and iconography that is tied to American politics. Brightly coloured and often employing a mysterious combination of juxtaposing images, Rosenquist’s work has also been associated with the Surrealist movement and many critics have lauded him as one of the only Pop artists who managed to evolve in his style and continue to create relevant works. (Artist website)