Stuart Davis (1892–1964), Report from Rockport, 1940. Oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in. (61 x 76.2 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Edith and Milton Lowenthal Collection, bequest of Edith Abrahamson Lowenthal, 1991. © Estate of Stuart Davis / Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

June 10 – September 25, 2016

The Whitney celebrates the forefather of the pop art movement in their upcoming exhibit, “In Full Swing.”

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

Some of the most iconic works of 20^th century modernist painter Stuart Davis will be on view at the Whitney Museum of American Art from June 1 – September 25, 2016. “In Full Swing” includes 100 of Davis’ artworks that he painted from the early 1920s up until his death in 1964. The exhibit highlights what the Whitney refers to as Davis’ more “mature style paintings,” or those that feature abstract still lifes and landscapes as well as his famous motifs like consumer products, storefronts, and neon signs.

Davis’ works directly reflect his early training by Robert Henri who was the leader of “The Eight,” a small group of painters, later absorbed by the Ashcan school that used NYC as the inspiration for their work. “In Full Swing” shows Davis’ ability to capture modern American culture through abstract art. Although many of his creations are made with bold squiggly lines, geometric shapes, and collages, they clearly reveal aspects of city life, pop culture, and commercial art. Even through his renderings of an Ode mouth wash bottle, a Lucky Strike cigarette box, and a coffee percolator the pulse of 20^th century consumer culture can be strongly felt.

For more information on “In Full Swing,” visit: http://whitney.org/Exhibitions/Upcoming.

Stuart Davis (1892–1964), Tropes de Teens, 1956. Oil on canvas, 45 1/4 x 60 1/4 in. (114.8 x 153 cm). Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. © Estate of Stuart Davis / Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY. Photograph by Cathy Carver

Stuart Davis (1892–1964), Town Square, c. 1929. Watercolor, gouache, ink, and pencil on paper, 15 1/2 x 22 7/8 in. (39.4 x 58.1 cm). The Newark Museum; purchase 1930, The General Fund. © Estate of Stuart Davis / Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Stuart Davis (1892–1964), Percolator, 1927. Oil on canvas, 36 x 29 in. (91.4 x 73.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Arthur Hoppock Hearn Fund, 1956. © Estate of Stuart Davis / Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Stuart Davis (1892–1964), Owh! in San Pao, 1951. Oil on canvas, 52 3/16 × 42 in. (132.6 × 106.7 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase 52.2. © Estate of Stuart Davis / Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY