Jelly Roll
by: Manvitha Katta
Food in still life usually means fruits especially apples, peaches, pears and grapes. When you think of Pop Art, Andy Warhol is one of the first names that pops up. However at the MFAH, there was a piece on display that had neither of these elements. “Jelly Rolls (for Morton)” by Wayne Thiebaud was one of my favorites pieces in the exhibit because it was colorful, textured, fluid and stood out amongst all of the still-lives of fruits, flowers and people.
After doing more research, I discovered that Thiebaud frequently paints commonplace objects found in diners and pastries and is known for his exaggerated use of pigment. This particular painting is a tribute to the famous jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton.
Despite the common conception, Thiebaud himself does not consider himself a member of the Pop Art artists because much of this work predates the 1960s artistic era. Deviating slightly from the Pop Art norm, Thiebaud's work is more nostalgic, uses more of the imagination and focuses more on the technique of painting.
After doing more research, I discovered that Thiebaud frequently paints commonplace objects found in diners and pastries and is known for his exaggerated use of pigment. This particular painting is a tribute to the famous jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton.
Despite the common conception, Thiebaud himself does not consider himself a member of the Pop Art artists because much of this work predates the 1960s artistic era. Deviating slightly from the Pop Art norm, Thiebaud's work is more nostalgic, uses more of the imagination and focuses more on the technique of painting.