Desk calendar 1962

This 'Desk Calendar' was made by Roy Lichtenstein in 1961 with oil paint. Look at the confident, almost cartoonish outlining of the calendar's form, so decisive. To me it feels like the essence of planning and scheduling, like a blueprint for a very busy life! The limited palette—stark black and white—pushes the idea of printed matter. Even the paint handling, which has areas of thick impasto and others of flat, even coverage, seems to mimic the qualities of ink on paper. Check out the scribbles and crossed-out appointments! The contrast between the rigidity of the calendar grid and the messiness of daily life couldn't be clearer. Each mark feels weighty and intentional. I'm reminded of Ed Ruscha's paintings of words and phrases, especially his playfulness with typography. Like Ruscha, Lichtenstein embraces a certain ambiguity, showing us how mundane objects can become powerful symbols through the act of artistic interpretation.