Roy Lichtenstein Imperfect 67 5/8 in x 91 1/2 in, 1988 represents one of Lichtenstein’s serious venture into total abstraction within the genre of Pop art. Lichtenstein carefully subverts the concept of geometric symmetry and perfection by creating a work which seems to defy the boundaries of its canvas. In this work, bold stripes are placed in the center of the work, bordered by a subdued grey. To the left, bright yellow adds an exciting splash of color to an otherwise muted palette. It is difficult to discern how this symmetric and geometric work earned its title. Yet, looking closer, the edge to the left noticeably protrude outside the rectangular boundaries of the work. It is this slight deviation which gives this work a playful quality in spite of its strict lines. Overall, Lichtenstein proves again he is a master of translating mass produced symbols into his own visual language.

Additionally, works from Lichtenstein’s celebrated Imperfect series reside in major museum collections worldwide, underscoring the importance of this body of work within his late career. Examples from the series can be found in institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, The Broad, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, while related works from the series have also been exhibited by leading museums including the Museum of Modern Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. Created during a period when Lichtenstein was challenging not only the visual language of Pop Art, but also the very idea of compositional “perfection,” these works reveal a more intellectual and experimental side of the artist. By intentionally disrupting balance, proportion, and geometric order, Lichtenstein transforms precision into something unexpectedly human and dynamic. Imperfect stands as a sophisticated and highly sought-after example from this pivotal series, where the artist’s iconic visual clarity meets a subtle sense of tension, movement, and playfulness.

Created in 1988, this color woodcut, screenprint and collage on 3-ply Supra 100 paper is hand-signed and dated by Roy Lichtenstein (New York, 1923 – New York, 1997) in pencil in the lower right margin: ‘rf Lichtenstein ‘88’. This work is numbered from the edition of 45 in pencil in the lower right margin; printed and published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
This work is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Corlett, Lee Mary. The Prints of Roy Lichtenstein A Catalogue Raisoneé 1948-1997. Hudson Hills Press: New York, 1994. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no.223

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Lichtenstein Imperfect 67 5/8 in x 91 1/2, 1988 in is presented in a complementary moulding and optical grade Plexiglas.