Roy Lichtenstein

THE first of Roy Lichtenstein's comic-book paintings were produced to please his children. Or so he said. But he also said on another occasion, “I wouldn't believe anything I tell you.” He, in common with many artists, would have preferred not to have talked much about his work. The language was all in the painting. But when he became famous there were interviews to give. “So what started you into this comic-book theme, Mr Lichtenstein?” “It was my children.” It might even have been true. At least the story offered a clue to a vast American middle-class audience eager to understand the new pop art so as to discuss it in a seemingly informed and sympathetic way.