Cut-Out Nude

Tom Blackwell's "Cut-Out Nude" from 1965 offers a fascinating glimpse into his transitional period, bridging his early Pop art sensibilities and the hyperrealism he would become known for. Born in Chicago, Blackwell initially explored abstract expressionism before gravitating towards Pop Art in the 1960s. This piece, created just before he fully embraced Photorealism, exemplifies his experimentation with photo-derived imagery and innovative materials. While he later focused on highly detailed paintings of motorcycles and storefronts, this work reflects his engagement with contemporary cultural themes and the human form, rendered in an unconventional medium. The use of "blow-formed screenprinted vinyl" is particularly noteworthy, showcasing a playful and experimental approach that echoes the industrial and commercial aesthetics of Pop Art, setting the stage for his later meticulous depictions of reflective surfaces and manufactured objects.

This artwork is a testament to Blackwell's continuous search for his artistic voice. It demonstrates his early success in combining photo-derived sources, a technique he would refine into the hallmark of his Photorealist career. The piece can be seen as a precursor to his later fascination with how light interacts with surfaces, even if here it's presented in a more graphic, less illusionistic manner. It highlights his journey from post-Pop explorations to becoming a leading figure in the first generation of Photorealists, whose works are now held in numerous prestigious museum collections.