Introduction 400 words You introduction should address the central concept of the essay – ‘Consumer Culture’. What does this mean? Essentially it refers to secular ie non-religious societies dedicated to the production and consumption of goods. In the 19th century, mechanization, factory production and the rise of urban middle classes created modern consumer culture, and arguably, Impressionist pictures of women in shops, eg Degas’ hat shops and cafe scenes, were the first celebrations of the act of consumption. What does ‘celebrate’ mean? And how did the things people buy return as subject matter for art in post-war Britain and America? You are asked to study the work of three artists in order to help answer these questions. Main body 1400 words In post-war Britain the growing fascination with things American led to the formation of a seminar group at the Institute of Contemporary Art – known as the Independent Group. A central figure was Richard Hamilton – describe his early work. Look particularly at the collage Just What is it that makes today’s home so Different so appealing? 1956 Refer to later works such as his Interior studies of 1964. What materials was he using? Hamilton’s use of silk screen should be compared with that of the American painter, Andy Warhol. Consider Warhol’s Marilyn and Elvis screen paintings and examine his use of processes of reproduction as distinct from traditional painting. What effect does this have? Contrast this with the early work of David Hockney. Look at Hockney’s source material – from tea packets to vases of tulips. Consider his ideas of narrative. Conclusion 200 words Summarize the key ideas which have emerged, showing that the visual language of Pop Art was ‘new’ and that it had altered western art in a significant way.