Claes Oldenburg: The Formative Years

1975 / 52 min. / color
Directed by Michael Blackwood

Gathering inspiration from the world around him, Claes Oldenburg has dedicated his career to giving objects life. What many would see only as their mundane, everyday tools Oldenburg sees as an opportunity for art. His famed large scale sculptures stand with such stature and force that the viewer has no choice but to become involved with the piece. From clothespins to ice cream, Oldenburg draws our attention to the smaller details of life by giving the power of size. Infatuated with the pop art movement, Oldenburg solidified himself as a staple of the genre as he continually finds new ways to show us the tangible things we are surrounded by but often discard. When speaking about his involvement in the movement, Oldenburg states “I like the idea of Pop because it’s slightly absurd…The people haven’t quite accepted it, they’re still a little suspicious, and I like that. There’s still a slightly outlaw feeling about it.” (Claes Oldenburg) As Oldenburg walks us through his process of commissions such as Standing Mitt with Ball and Good Humor Alphabet we are able to see the meticulous planning behind his work. Often starting off with a small scale model of the piece he is intending to create, Oldenburg finds early inspiration in his hometown of Chicago. Whether it be debris or loose items in a dime store, it is fascinating to watch as Oldenburg collects his trinkets, carefully selecting his next muse.