United States
• 1929
Art is just a way of making things less bad. It’s about the reduction of everything we think, see, do, or feel to a usable, present form.
Biography
Claes Thure Oldenburg, commonly known as Claes Oldenburg, is a Swedish-born American artist widely regarded as a pioneer of Pop Art. Born on January 28, 1929, in Stockholm, Sweden, Oldenburg immigrated to the United States in 1936. He studied at Yale University and later at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Oldenburg's artworks often revolve around the transformation of ordinary objects into monumental sculptures. He became known for his oversized and playful renditions of everyday items, such as hamburgers, typewriters, and clothespins. Oldenburg's sculptures challenged traditional notions of art, embracing popular culture and consumerism. His works have been exhibited globally and can be found in renowned institutions and public spaces. Oldenburg's contributions to the art world have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Arts in 2000.
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Claes Oldenburg
Print - 72.4 x 53.3 cm Print - 28.5 x 21 inch
$2,600
Claes Oldenburg
Fine Art Drawings - 41 x 36 x 16 cm Fine Art Drawings - 16.1 x 14.2 x 6.3 inch
$20,500
Claes Oldenburg
Print - 96.5 x 57.2 cm Print - 38 x 22.5 inch
$2,800
Claes Oldenburg
Print - 74.9 x 54.6 cm Print - 29.5 x 21.5 inch
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Claes Oldenburg
Sculpture - 44 x 28 x 2 cm Sculpture - 17.3 x 11 x 0.8 inch
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Claes Oldenburg
Sculpture - 22.9 x 48.3 x 33 cm Sculpture - 9 x 19 x 13 inch
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Need to know more?
What sculpture is Claes Oldenburg best known for?
Claes Oldenburg is best known for his large-scale public sculpture "Spoonbridge and Cherry" (1985–1988), created with Coosje van Bruggen. This iconic work is located in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
What techniques did Oldenburg use?
Claes Oldenburg used techniques such as soft sculpture, oversized scale, and everyday object transformation, often employing materials like vinyl, canvas, and foam. He also utilized bright colors and playful forms to challenge perceptions of ordinary items.
What is one rule of Oldenburg's work?
One key rule of Claes Oldenburg's work is the transformation of everyday objects into large-scale sculptures, often using soft or unexpected materials. This approach challenges perceptions of scale, function, and materiality in art.
When did Claes Oldenburg move to America?
Claes Oldenburg moved to the United States in 1936 with his family from Sweden. He grew up in Chicago before becoming a leading figure in the American Pop Art movement.