The artwork entitled “Desk,” created by Richard Hamilton in 1964, represents the Pop Art movement and falls within the genre of still life. This piece features a combination of everyday objects with a focus on aesthetic and cultural commentary.
In the artwork, the primary focus is a wooden desk with a single drawer partially open. Perched atop the desk is an older model of a rotary telephone, with the receiver off the hook and the cord coiled lazily. The phone is depicted in a monochromatic, almost sepia-toned manner, contrasting against the more vibrant colors in the rest of the piece. Surrounding the desk are bold, abstract blocks of color—yellow, white, and red—adding a contemporary feel to the composition. Additionally, a small disordered heap of papers or fabric, painted in reds and whites, lies beneath the desk, bringing a touch of chaos to the otherwise orderly setting. The juxtaposition of the modern and mundane elements, rendered with meticulous detail and a play of colors, embodies Hamilton’s exploration of consumer culture and its impact on everyday life.