Tom Wesselmann, Great American Nude n. 27, 1962

1962

Medium

Enamel, casein and collage on panel

Dimensions

122 × 91.5 cm

Status

In Gallery Collection

Collect24 Art ID

C24-148998

In this important early example from the series, Great American Nude No. 27 , Wesselmann includes all his signature imagery and techniques from the series. Contrasting collaged elements with hand-painted passages, the suggestive, cotton-candy pink nude with glossy lips is splayed across the patriotically coloured bedroom, replete with a patterned bedspread, polka dot curtains, and a television. A line-up of enticing ice cream sundaes and milkshakes are collaged onto the bottom register of the composition, suggesting the seductive promises of consumerism. On the screen of the television in the background of the bedroom, Wesselmann has cleverly included a black and white photograph featuring the artist himself dancing with his wife Claire, Lucas Samaras, Judy Tersch, Carl Lehmann-Haupt, and Claes Oldenburg, Patty Oldenburg and Allan Kaprow. This image was taken during Claes Oldenburg’s Happening Circus: Ironworks/Fotodeath, performed at the Reuben Gallery in February of 1961. The original film of the happening is in the archives of the Whitney Museum.