WATER MILL, NY — Roy Lichtenstein's iconic sculptures have been restored in the Hamptons.
Recently, the Parrish Museum of Art announced the completion of a major restoration of “Tokyo Brushstroke I & II” (1994).
Lichtenstein's monumental sculptures are on long-term loan to the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill from The Fuhrman Family Foundation. Located in The Bacon Family South Meadow, the colorful, large-scale works have drawn visitors to the museum since its installation in 2014, serving as a cultural landmark and “beacon” for the East End community, museum officials said.
“We couldn't be happier with the restoration of this iconic work,” said Glenn Fuhrman, who founded The Fuhrman Family Foundation with his wife Amanda. “Whether you're driving on the neighboring freeway or walking nearby, the vibrancy and joy of this great work makes you smile. I have no doubt that both Roy and Dorothy Lichtenstein will be thrilled to hear all about how Parrish has helped to bring 'Tokyo Brushstroke I and II' to life for today's generation of viewers.
The restoration work was performed by American Stripping Co. of Manassas Park, VA, with expert advice from Two Sticks Inc. Modern and Contemporary Art Conservation from New York.
Locally, Eastern Scaffolding & Shoring, based in East Moriches, provided basic scaffolding and tents.
The colors and paint for the restoration were “meticulously” researched, using the artist's standard color reference samples provided by Roy Lichtenstein's estate in consultation with Julie Wolfe, who wrote the first book-length study, Roy Lichtenstein: Outdoor Painted Sculpture, which examines the materials and techniques used in the construction and painting of Lichtenstein's sculptures, museum officials said.
Colors approved by the Estate of Roy Lichtenstein.
“I am thrilled that these impressive sculptures have been returned to their original vibrant glory thanks to the incredible generosity of The Fuhrman Family Foundation and an amazing team,” said Corinne Erni, Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman, Chief Curator of Art and Education, Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Parrish Museum of Art.
“Roger Griffiths, maintainer of Two Sticks Inc. Modern and Contemporary Art Conservation, ensured the correct colors were used and James Sejd's crew from ASCo did a remarkable job restoring the sculptures,” he said. “It was a difficult undertaking and required absolute professionalism and attention to detail – working from three-storey scaffolding. We are also grateful to the Estate of Roy Lichtenstein and the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation for their guidance.”
The “Tokyo Brushstroke I & II” is made of painted and machined aluminum, crafted by Paul Amaral of Amaral Custom Fabrication in Rhode Island. Towering over Parrish, Tokyo Brushstroke I stands 33 feet tall, measures 396 x 112 x 90 inches and weighs more than 12,000 pounds. Tokyo Brushstroke II stands 19 feet tall and weighs approximately 5,000 pounds, placed closer to the Montauk Freeway.
Part of a series of brushstroke sculptures created primarily in the 1990s, similar works can be found at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
According to the museum, Lichtenstein's exploration of irony is evident in these pieces, as he noted, “It's a symbol of something it's not, and that's part of the irony that interests me.” The sculptures challenge the viewer to consider the contrast between the ephemeral touch and the permanence of monumental art.
The presence of 'Tokyo Brushstroke I & II' at the Parrish Art Museum highlights Lichtenstein's long association with the East End. Lichtenstein and his wife Dorothy became year-round residents of Southampton in 1970, forging a “deep and lasting relationship with the Museum and the local community,” the museum said.
In 1982, the Parrish Art Museum mounted an exhibition of 48 Lichtenstein paintings spanning from 1951 to the early 1980s, with rare earlier works including the iconic “Look Mickey” (1961). Subsequent exhibitions include “The Prints of Roy Lichtenstein”, organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC (1995) and “Roy Lichtenstein: American Indian Encounters” (2006), which combined his works with Native American artifacts .
In the summer of 1995, the Museum moved Lichtenstein's sculpture, “Modern Head” (1989), to Southampton's Lake Agawam Park, further enhancing his influence on the East End art scene.
Lichtenstein (1923 to 1997) was a leading figure in the American Pop Art movement, known for his large-scale paintings inspired by comics and advertising. His works are noted for their bold colors, iconic imagery and exploration of mass culture, making him one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
