The Postal Service celebrated artist Roy Lichtenstein during a stamp dedication ceremony at New York City’s Whitney Museum of American Art on April 24.
Lichtenstein (1923-1997) was one of the greatest figures of the pop art movement, which exploded in popularity in the 1960s.
His works drew inspiration from pop culture and mass media.
Lichtenstein’s technique included the use of colored dots, heavy black outlines and saturated primary colors, which mimicked the appearance of mechanical printed images. It was a radical departure for the fine art world, and altered the history of modern art.
“The Postal Service uses its stamp program to raise awareness and celebrate the people who represent the very best of our nation,” said Tom Marshall, USPS general counsel, who spoke at the ceremony. “And Roy Lichtenstein certainly deserves this recognition because of the remarkable creativity and innovation he demonstrated throughout his career.”
The ceremony’s other participants included Dorothy Lichtenstein, president of the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation and the artist’s widow; Jack Cowart, founding executive director of the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation; Anne Helmreich, director of the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art; and contemporary artist Rachel Rossin.
Scott Rothkopf, senior deputy director of the Whitney Museum, was master of ceremonies.
“It is our hope that everyone who sees these stamps will be inspired to learn more about this great American artist — to look beyond the surface — and develop a greater appreciation of his creativity and the ideas behind his iconic works,” Marshall said.
Lichtenstein received many prizes and honors during his career, including induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the National Medal of Arts from President Bill Clinton and several honorary doctorates.
Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the Forever stamps depicting five of Lichtenstein’s works.
The Roy Lichtenstein stamps are available in panes of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.
