Glassed Candy 1969

Editor: This is Wayne Thiebaud’s “Glassed Candy,” painted in 1969 using oil paint. I am really struck by the colors and how cheerful it makes me feel. The candy almost seems to spill out of the jar and toward the viewer. How do you interpret this painting? Curator: Well, if we consider Thiebaud’s place within the Pop Art movement, alongside figures like Warhol, we see him engaging with consumer culture, but with a slightly different angle. What he shares is a depiction of commodities removed from real life by both aesthetic choice and display. The use of impasto creates depth, and almost feels like icing on a cake, creating a sensual feel. Where was a glass jar like this typically found in the late 60s? Editor: Probably in a candy store or a bakery… so the art reflects the ubiquity and idealization of processed foods, perhaps even a commentary on abundance. The thick impasto layers do give it a sort of playful, excessive quality. Curator: Exactly! By displaying the mundane - a candy jar - in such a vivid and textured way, Thiebaud elevates the ordinary into something worthy of attention. Do you think this heightening adds or distracts from it social critique of it? Editor: That’s a good question. The bold colors and thick paint make it very attractive, almost celebratory, so perhaps he wasn't trying to be very critical? The work leaves me reflecting on how consumer goods gain social and cultural value through their presentation and availability. Curator: Indeed, and also how artistic styles can further influence our understanding. I never thought of that before. Thanks for your thoughts!