POP Art’s “Fizz” Stays Potent

By Joe Jancsurak

The Pop Art of Nathan Janes is known by many as “Pop ARF” due to its subject matter—dogs—which he loves to “portray in uncommon ways with messages that sometimes go deeper than what may be expected from dog art.”

One such painting is “Rosie,” an image of a bulldog “wearing” a rose and toting a suitcase decorated with political-action decals. “‘Rosie’ communicates tolerance, respect and care for both the human race and animals as well,” says the artist, a Port Clinton, OH, native. “One of my missions is to [help make] dog art just as mainstream as the art of flowers, landscapes, people and wildlife. I strive to combat the popular perception that fine art can only be in certain styles or of certain subjects. I want people to view my art as a new ‘stretch.’ I want my art to be seen as pleasing images, which carry a deep message about humans’ interactions with the animals in their lives. Through my art, I also hope to inspire others to donate to local shelters and to consider pet adoption.”

Janes credits the following artists as influencers of his work: Pop icons Roy Lichtenstein and Keith Haring; dog artist Ron Burns; Belgian Pop artist “Bue”; and Jelene Morris.
Janes predicts that interest in Pop Art will remain strong, but the future lies in “Lowbrow/Pop Surrealism” art for collectors. “Before we know it, we will find ourselves surrounded by it,” Janes predicts.