Richard Hamilton: Just what is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing? 1956

This collage piece produced by Richard Hamilton in 1956, is a clear representation of the consumer culture of the time. However this piece was more of a reaction to what the ideal home should be like rather than supporting the idealistic consumer vision from the late 50's early 60's. This is shown through the provocative imagery of a naked woman of the sofa and an imaged obsessed body builder, holding an over sized lolly pop in a prominant position.
What is interesting in  this piece is the relationship between paint and collage and the contrasting images, overall giving a punchy effect.
This piece also has a freshness about it as it broke away from the conventions of abstract expressionism and minimalism. This made Hamilton become referred to as the father of pop art.
However he did not share pop arts idolisation of advertisement and magazine strips.
In 1960 Hamilton wrote that "I have always been an old-style artist," this was his view on himself. Although this is quite understandable because when looking at for example Constables work, who responded to what he saw around him, which at the time were picturesque landscapes; Hamilton responded to what he saw in everyday life as though it was his landscape.