“Lipstick (Ascending) on Caterpillar Tracks” is an artwork created by Claes Oldenburg in 1969. This sculpture, rendered in mixed media, belongs to the Pop Art movement. It is displayed at Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut, US.
The artwork depicts a giant tube of lipstick mounted on caterpillar tracks, blending elements of beauty and machinery. The juxtaposition of the sleek, soft form of the lipstick with the rugged, industrial tracks creates a striking visual contrast. The sculpture stands tall amidst a courtyard, its bold colors and imposing presence making it a significant piece within the context of public art. This work encapsulates Oldenburg’s playful yet critical take on consumer culture and mechanization, serving both as a provocative piece and a commentary on the sociopolitical climate of its time.
