Tom Wesselmann

Dive into the world of Tom Wesselmann - both a defining figure in American Pop Art and an outlier within it.

Known for his bold, humorous, and unabashedly sexual work, Wesselmann explored desire through iconic series like Great American Nudes, his close-up depictions of female mouths, his larger-than-life still lifes, and his lesser known but no less striking penis paintings. First exhibited in New York in the 1970s, these works push his signature flat, abstract style into deeply personal territory. They also invite reflection on the male gaze, eroticism, and how his art is perceived today.

Joining host Danielle Radojcin to discuss Wesselmann’s legacy is Jeffrey Sturges, director of The Estate of Tom Wesselmann. Having worked closely with the artist in his studio and home during the 1980s, Sturges offers a rare, firsthand perspective—not just on Wesselmann’s work, but on the man himself.

Recorded at Almine Rech gallery in London, where Wesselmann’s penis paintings and other works are on view until 12 April 2025, this conversation unpacks the wit, provocation, and enduring impact of this fascinating artist.

 

Photo: Portrait of Tom Wesselmann, 1969 (detail)

© 2024 The Estate of Tom Wesselmann / Artists

Rights Society (ARS), New York - Courtesy of the Estate and Almine Rech. Photo: Jack Mitchell