How Art Made Pop

A thorough investigation of the connections between pop music and the visual arts, and how art schools influenced the music they produced. It covers the global history of art school rock and how it has evolved, and how art school attendance has shaped the music and interests of artist-musicians.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2018
Publisher: Tate Publishing

A remarkable and comprehensive study delving into the intricate connections between pop music and the visual arts, and delving into the exhilarating exchange between art schools and the pop stars that they nurtured (or, occasionally, expelled). How Art Made Pop encompasses the global history of art school rock, and brings the story up to date by surveying recent trends and the practices of contemporary artist-musicians. The individuals featured in How Art Made Pop may still have achieved success as musicians without studying art, but the kind of musicians they became, as well as the kind of music they became interested in, was predominantly informed and influenced by their art school attendance. Where once these musicians would have considered themselves entertainers, they now regarded themselves as artists. And as a result, what they practiced—i.e., popular music—became an art form, not least because they claimed it to be.

Introduction:
In the realm of popular music, the influence of art schools has been profound and far-reaching. These institutions have not only shaped the musical landscape but have also played a crucial role in the development of visual art. This study aims to explore the intricate relationship between pop music and the visual arts, examining how art schools have influenced the creative processes of musicians and artists alike.

Art School Rock:
Art school rock, a genre that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, was a fusion of art and music that was heavily influenced by the counterculture movement. Artists and musicians who attended art schools brought a unique perspective to their music, combining artistic experimentation with musical innovation. This genre was characterized by a rejection of traditional musical structures and a focus on self-expression and personal creativity.

One of the most notable figures in art school rock was Bob Dylan, who attended the University of Minnesota in the 1960s. Dylan's music was characterized by his poetic lyrics, his use of imagery, and his exploration of social and political issues. His art school background influenced his approach to music, as he sought to create a form of music that was both artistic and accessible to a wide audience.

Another artist who made significant contributions to art school rock was John Lennon, who attended the Liverpool College of Art in the 1960s. Lennon's music was characterized by his experimental use of sound and his emphasis on social and political activism. He was a key figure in the Beatles, one of the most successful bands of the 1960s, and his art school background influenced the band's visual aesthetic and their approach to music.

Art school rock continued to evolve in the 1980s and 1990s, with artists such as Sonic Youth, R.E.M., and Jeff Buckley continuing to push the boundaries of musical experimentation. These artists drew on their art school backgrounds to create music that was both visually stunning and emotionally powerful.

Contemporary Trends:
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in art school rock and its influence on contemporary music. Artists such as Grimes, who attended art school in Montreal, and Frank Ocean, who attended the California Institute of the Arts, have incorporated elements of art school rock into their music.

At the same time, there has been a growing trend towards interdisciplinary collaboration between artists and musicians. This trend has been facilitated by the rise.

In conclusion, the relationship between pop music and the visual arts is a complex and multifaceted one. Art schools have played a crucial role in shaping the creative processes of musicians and artists alike, and their influence can be seen in the evolution of art school rock and the resurgence of interest in interdisciplinary collaboration. As music continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of contemporary culture, it will be interesting to see how art schools continue to influence and shape the creative processes of musicians and artists in the years to come.

Weight: 714g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849761321