Pop Culture-Inspired Art to Sell at Robinhood Auctions

Iconography from American pop culture has long inspired visual artists, from the brands and celebrities that adorned Andy Warhol’s screenprints to the references that characterize contemporary street art. The upcoming Contemporary Horizons sale at Robinhood Auctions will showcase a selection of artworks that embrace pop culture. The sale will begin on December 19, 2024. Check out some of the top lots before the bidding begins. 

Invader Cube

French street artist Invader is known for his pixelated artworks that reference pop culture from the 1970s and 80s. An urban artist who moves comfortably between mediums, Invader creates mosaics on city walls in addition to wall hangings and video art. His work references video games such as Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and others. American cartoons such as Hong Kong Phooey and Popeye also make appearances in Invader’s public art. The artist has notably engaged with Rubik’s Cubes as well, riffing on the colors and structure of the iconic puzzle toy that was popularized in the United States and internationally during the 1980s. 

One such Rubik’s Cube-inspired artwork by Invader will be offered in this upcoming sale from Robinhood Auctions (lot #355; estimate: USD 6,400 – $8,000). Measuring 40 inches square, this wall hanging is composed of Diasec-mounted Giclee on an aluminum composite panel. Depicting a three-by-three grid of colored squares, the piece is anchored by Invader’s logo in the center box. 

Kenny Scharf Silkscreen 

Other works inspired by American pop culture include Kenny Scharf’s Kalorzi, a 2020 screenprint that is numbered and hand-signed by the artist (lot #852; estimate: $5,556 – $6,945). This limited edition piece depicts a grinning, rainbow-colored smiley face, complete with sparkling teeth and three bulging eyes. 

An American artist, Kenny Scharf began his career in the 1980s. He painted alongside Keith Haring (with whom he shared an apartment) and Jean-Michel Basquiat in New York’s East Village, creating graffiti rooted in satirical commercialism. Cartoons are referenced often in his work, as well as a unique cast of characters imagined by Scharf himself. He describes his art as “Pop Surrealism,” a nod to its roots and otherworldly charm. The offered screenprint appears to reference the smiley face ideogram. Scharf elaborates on the classic image by adding the garish, toothy smile and extra eye.

Craig Alan Painting 

Other aspects of American pop culture that have filtered into the fine art world include comic books. Both the style and characters from this classic medium have entered the popular lexicon. While some artists continue to create new comic books and superheroes, others embrace the existing canon by leaning into nostalgia or offering a fresh perspective.  

Contemporary artist Craig Alan is among those who have worked in this genre. He is best known for his Populus series, which views groups of human figures from the air as they form an image. The style winks at Pointillism, with its emphasis on acknowledging the whole picture rather than individual marks (or people). Pieces from this series have recreated works by Robert Indiana and Roy Lichtenstein, as well as real celebrities and fictional comic book characters. Belonging to the latter group is Alan’s Populus: How About a Magic Trick, a framed Giclee on canvas signed by the artist (lot #772; estimate: $4,176 – $5,220). Using Alan’s signature aerial technique, the piece depicts Heath Ledger as the Joker in the 2008 film The Dark Knight. Outlined in black, the character’s mouth is a slash of red. 

Each of these items will be available in Robinhood Auctions’ Contemporary Horizons sale. Bidding will begin at 1:00 PM EST on December 19, 2024. To browse the complete catalog and register to bid, visit Bidsquare. 

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