Claes Oldenburg

One of the leaders of the 1960s’ Pop Art movement, Claes Oldenburg became known for his giant sculptures of mundane objects such as hamburgers, ice cream cones, toilets, and typewriters, sculptures made from polyurethane foam and other pliable materials that slumped and sagged. Later he went on to construct colossal monuments in public outdoor settings, such as a giant trowel, lipstick, and a flashlight. He created many of these sculptures in partnership with his wife, Coosje van Bruggen. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2000. Updated 2009