Large Study for Smoker #5 1969

Tom Wesselmann created ‘Large Study for Smoker #5’ in the Pop Art era, a movement that blurred the lines between high art and popular culture. The series of paintings explores the sensuality and danger of smoking. The exaggerated red lips and rising smoke allude to the allure and harmfulness of tobacco. It also evokes the commodification of female beauty in advertising. In his work Wesselmann often isolated body parts. He once stated he was looking for ways to make the parts 'more exciting than the whole.' The red lips might be read as a symbol for the objectification of women. The painting also reflects the social context of the mid-20th century, when smoking was glamorized. Despite the health risks becoming known, smoking remained a symbol of sophistication and rebellion, deeply ingrained in cultural imagery. This artwork serves as a potent reminder of how personal habits can be shaped by societal trends, raising questions about the intersection of desire, health, and cultural norms.