“The Patron,” created by Ashley Bickerton in 1997, is an exemplary piece within the Neo-Pop Art movement, representing a figurative artwork genre. This piece portrays various elements characteristic of Neo-Pop Art, marked by an exuberant blend of colors and a mix of high and low cultural references.
The artwork features a portly figure reclined on what appears to be an orange, futuristic couch, with exaggeratedly relaxed limbs extending towards the frame’s edges. The backdrop, suffused with an orange hue, presents a modern, almost surreal setting. The central figure, appearing indifferent and holding a can, is surrounded by diverse elements, including an abstract sculpture to the left and a stylized geometric composition to the right, invoking a Mondrian-like visual. Below the central figure, a smaller image, almost reminiscent of a caricature, adds to the discordant yet captivating composition. The inclusion of a traditional, ornate frame contrasts sharply with the contemporary subject matter, enhancing the eclectic nature of the piece.
