The artwork “Nasturtium Salad” by James Rosenquist, created in 1984, is an exemplary representation of the Pop Art movement with its figurative genre. Rosenquist’s work is often characterised by its vibrant use of color and incorporation of disparate visual elements drawn from contemporary culture and commercial advertising, which is a hallmark of the Pop Art movement.
The artwork in question displays a complex interplay of organic and geometric shapes. Bold and vibrant nasturtiums in shades of red, orange, and yellow stand out against a backdrop of lush green leaves, imparting a sense of depth and natural abundance. Overlaid upon this botanical scene is a series of linear striped patterns, which juxtapose the organic with the artificial. These stripes could be interpreted as a nod to man-made elements or possibly the intrusion of commercialism upon the natural world—a concept frequently explored in Pop Art. The interplay of floral elements with graphic stripes creates a dynamic tension and an engaging visual puzzle for the viewer.
