Peter Saul
‚From Pop to Punk‘

New York

‘Peter Saul from Pop to Punk’ is the new book edition of Venus Over Manhattan. Published at the end of the eponymous show presented at Venus Over Manhattan Gallery earlier this year, the book retraces the exhibition. For that, the 80 years old American artist recalls his early works from the 1960-1970s years. His very recognizable works are a combination of pop art, surrealism, abstract expressionism, cartoon imagery, and sexual reflexion.

Saul left to Europe in 1956. He visit the Netherlands, before going to Paris and finalising his trip in Rome. The first part of the artworks present in the book are from his time European. Often referenced as an ‘Abstract Expressionist version of Pop Art’ this style evolves to something more fluorescent and wild in 1964, with his coming back to the US. Referencing to American symbolism, tabloids and culture, Saul’s provocative pieces are not aiming at offending, just at pointing. The cartoon representations, forms and meanings are tangent throughout his whole work, ironically denoting disconcerting facts. Like with ‘Human Dignity’ that contains most of Saul’s attributes; boobs, tongues and vibrant tones. All of these references form the oeuvre of the bad taste’s master who claims being ‘ in the position of a 14-year kid who has just seen a war movie and suddenly decides to write a war novel as a result.’

Peter Saul ‚Untitled‘ in this show at the Venus Over Manhattan gallery.

Peter Saul “Human Dignity” (1966) in this show at the Venus Over Manhattan gallery.

Venus Over Manhattan

980 Madison Avenue
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10075
UK