“Blue Umbrella I,” created by Alex Katz in 1972, is an exemplary work within the Pop Art movement, represented in the portrait genre. The artwork depicts a solitary female figure, her visage calm and pensive, standing beneath a dark blue umbrella, which shields her from the rain. The subject is adorned in a vibrant red, patterned headscarf, complemented by a black coat and a striped scarf displaying tones of red and blue. Rain streaks are visible throughout the artwork, enhancing the scene’s atmospheric and lifelike qualities. Alex Katz’s characteristic bold and simplified shapes, combined with an intense focus on the individual’s expression, render this piece a remarkable study in both style and emotion. The composition conveys a serene yet dramatic moment, highlighting Katz’s distinct pop art aesthetic.
