A curator’s discovery of hidden gems in the University of Salford’s art collection, including an iconic David Hockney print, has inspired a free exhibition of pop and op art.
Op, Pop & Triple Pop - which runs until Sunday 8 January 2012 - is the first display of works from the University’s art collection, which features pop art dating from the 1960s and op (optical) art ranging from hard-edged abstract designs to the creation of optical illusions.
Curator Stephen Whittle joined the University at the start of the year and was so excited to find famous pieces of pop art such as David Hockney’s Pool Made with Paper and Blue Ink for Book (1980) that he decided to stage an exhibition of selected artworks at the University’s Clifford Whitworth Building which would be open to students, staff and members of the public.
“There are some wonderful examples of pop and op art in the University’s collection,” explained Stephen, “and I felt it would be a waste to keep them hidden away. Surprises which I was particularly delighted to find were a collage entitled Three Forms by Britain’s first abstract artist, Paule Vézelay, and a great example of op art by systemic artist Keith Richardson-Jones.
“Young British artists are also represented through works by Gavin Turk and Gary Hume, who have appropriated elements of pop art in their work.”
Op, Pop & Triple Pop runs from 5 November 2011-8 January 2012 at the Clifford Whitworth Building on the University of Salford’s main campus. Opening times are:
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-7.00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12.00 noon – 5.00pm
Christmas opening hours:
Closed 17th December
18th December-2nd January
Monday-Sunday: 12.00 noon – 5.00pm
Entrance is free.
Image caption: Pool Made with Paper and Blue Ink for Book (1980) by David Hockney.
