The Delancey Notebook: Exhibition: Pop Life in a Material World

Andy Warhol: Gems

I was lucky enough to be given two members passes to the Tate Modern this weekend. This meant that myself and my very lucky boyfriend got to see the Pop Life in a Material World exhibition for free. It also meant that we could go have drinks in the members bar. It turns out the members bar is so pretentious we walked in, pretended to look for a friend and walked out again. We felt so unsettled I even spoke to my imaginary friend on the phone.

Me: Where are you?
Imaginary Friend:
Me: But we're waiting in the member's bar...
Imaginary Friend:
Me: Ok, ok. We'll meet you downstairs.
Imaginary Friend:
Me: Ok, bye.

I enjoyed the exhibition. It's fun and filled with loads of stuff to see. It's colourful, loud and in your face just like that art it's exhibiting. There are interesting videos of Andy Warhol making cameo's on shows like 'The Love Boat' and rarely seen footage from the factory. There was amusing media clippings about women like Cosey Fanni Tutti, the guitarist of Throbbing Gristle and all round nudist. There is even a private room, for over eighteen's, displaying Jeff Koons's raunchier photographs and statues. It was hilarious watching bewildered tourists huddle around giant photos of bum-holes and penises, each one acting un-phased, though obviously thinking "What the hell is this? I'm so embarrassed. My nan is right there."

The exhibition explored Pop art and its meaning in the world today. It looked at reactions to it when each Pop artist was introduced to the scene and how the media responded to it.

However, it did slightly feel like 'A Beginner's Guide to...Pop Art' more than a thorough exhibition. There were so many artists that only a few examples of their work could be displayed. So much media coverage and fashion crazes to show that it almost felt like the Tate Modern had turned itself into a 'Hard Rock Cafe' type restaurant. It felt slightly gimmiky, as though it wasn't designed for those who know the work but those who want something fun to do on a rainy day. But then again, what's wrong with that?

I reckon everyone should go to this exhibition. There is something for everyone and the Jeff Koons section is hilarious. Also, don't miss Damien Hirst's twins. Actual live twins sit for four hours on chairs and then swap with another pair of twins. K-razy.