
1980s Pop Art By Doug Kemp
1980s Pop Art. Doug might describe this period as the ‘Bitty years’. Between divorces and the loss of a parent. A general economic recovery resulted in a lot of get-rich quick kids with a disposable income and some with a snobbish desire to own some “real” art.
This post-Athena retail generation fueled an inflation of some dubious artworks for those who could afford it, and the growth of pop up galleries run by wannabe artists often exploited the situation while the paint was still wet.
A new art studio in Sufolk
Meanwhile, in Suffolk, in the latter part of the decade, Doug has moved home and studio again.
Storage and transit issues were slightly alleviated by the acceptance of some pieces by various galleries, including some in USA and Switzerland.
Art In Texas, USA
During the 1980s I took an assignment at MJS International Gallery in Fort Worth, Texas, and produced a small series of paintings. Although a relatively short time was spent there on that occasion, the experience appeared to have had a disproportionate influence. Although, perhaps, it was just resurfacing and reinforcing earlier experiences.
Bigger and brighter fed Doug’s already primed fertile mind, because of so much more potential material being available. He also took a roll of paintings (on paper) over there with him and didn’t bring them home.
Fort Worth Texas Art
Fort Worth is a city in North Central Texas. In the late 19th century, it became an important trading post for cowboys at the end of the Chisholm Trail. Today, it’s a modern city, with international art institutions like the Kimbell Art Museum.
The Fort Worth Stockyards are home to rodeos, and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honours pioneers. Heee-Haaa!
Chicago Pop Art 1980s into the 2000s
A planned tour of the Chicago art scene in the late 1980s was cut short by a family bereavement, but other occasions provided stimulus from visits to the sites of modern real life legends and the sites of famous movie scenes also served to enhance the tableaus in the work, incorporating both real and imaginary.
Chicago has always been my favourite city in the United States of America. Its decor and history of real-life gangsters and movie characters are recalled but in vivid colours. For me it was a city where the sun always seemed to shine and didn’t suffer too much from the wind.

“When they send for you, you go in alive, you come out dead, and it’s your best friend that does it.”
Doug Kemp looking like a 80s Miami Boss.
Pop Art, Modern Or Dada?
The range of Doug’s work, within the current developing style, was now almost as varied as it was numerous.
Attempts to classify Doug’s pieces are like trying to herd eels – once it is felt that a labelling genre has been tied down, it slips away also to be included in another category as an overlap.
There appeared to be a move away from classic character influence to an expression of imagination in comic book form. The influence of physical objects and places come to the fore (and background!)
Madonna Collection Paintings & Prints
A Madonna (ma-donna) has an obvious religious connection and is a representation of Mary, mother of Jesus in the Christian faith. A church icon and in paintings throughout history, the term has also become a byword for purity and even beauty.
Various depictions have appeared over time, often related to the fashion of the time.
This collection has only a minor religious influence ( actually more just an influence of historical religious art). Madonna here also appears to owe her identity partly to the comic book character Lady Blackhawk and various war films, together with the real, striking fringe of an ex-art student and friend.
Betty Page had a nice fringe too. As is often the case, the works take on their own identity while still in production.
What Is Dada Art?
Dada was an art movement that developed in reaction to World War I, the Dada movement consisted of artists, writers, musicians and performers who rejected the logic, reason, and aestheticism of modern capitalist society. Their works, express the nonsense, irrationality and opposition to what was happening in society in general.
Hans Richter, the acknowledged father of Dada, stated that Dada was not art: it was “anti-art.” Dada represents the opposite of everything which art stands for.
Where art was concerned with traditional aesthetics, Dada ignored aesthetics. If art was to appeal to sensibilities, Dada is intended to offend.
Msic v2 aka the office party
Msic v2. AKA The office party. Reference Ms Icarus. Acrylic painting on paper from the 1980s art collection. Do you own Misic v1? Please contact us and let us know. We don’t have a digital copy of the artwork.
The 1980s & The Sitcoms Paintings
Painted in the 1980s. A developing style at a time where when some people chased each other around in big spaces and canvases and minds needed a treat and not just the exercise.
In contrast to the Cityscapes, landscapes and vegetation are now often the order of the day and the bright yellows and reds have given way to greens but not knowingly dabbling in Veganism. A chase or just plain “seeking” features in the representation of the characters and, unusually, they do not dominate the works in their proportions. They are, however, still critical in the telling of the tale.
The sizes given for these paintings might not be accurate but it is believed the approximate size of all the pieces is around 122 cm (48 inches).
Discovering The West Country
Discovering the West Country. Acrylic painting on canvas from the 1980s Sitcom collection.
Breaking Up The Happy Home
Breaking up the Happy Home. Acrylic painting on canvas from the 1980s Sitcom collection.
1980s Milestone Paintings
A selection of milestone paintings from the 1980s. Art is subjective and these paintings have been selected as they either reflect points in Dougs life or the have had positive feedback.
Man Alone
Man alone. Acrylic self-portrait pop art painting on canvas from the 1980s and Portraits collection
Industrial still life paintings on paper
Industrial still life paintings on paper from the 1980s. “Up the workers” had other, sad, connotations at the time. Although not intended as a political comment there may have been a subconscious influence (as many influences on Doug actually appear to be) by the current industrial relations of the time.
Doug worked in a few factories in the very early days, with pin-up girls on the walls in juxtaposition with heavy machinery.
The emergence could also be, of course, just have been the effect of country life and a passing craving for the city or maybe even a celebration of getting away from it?! Spot the other pieces throughout this site have the occasional Industrial touch.
1980s Pop Art, A Homage to Fernand Leger
A Tribute to a man who inspired me… Fernand Leger.
Fernand Leger was a trailblazer and very much regarded as ‘the forerunner’ of the new and upcoming style of art that is now commonly known as the origins of Pop Art.
Leger was a French painter, sculptor and filmmaker who in his early years developed his own form of cubism which later developed into a figurative style. He was also influenced by Medieval and Renaissance paintings, something else in common with Doug. See all of Doug Kemps works that reference Leger
Street Scene
Street scene. 163 x 122 cm Acrylic pop art painting on canvas from the 1980s and cityscapes collection.
Man Alone
Man Alone. Acrylic self-portrait pop art painting on canvas from the 1980s and Portraits collection
1980s States of Undress
The 1980s saw the first set of nude paintings, with Lucy and Little Egypt. By popular demand these paintings are going to be reworked in to Giclee prints and will be available in the print store later in 2022.
Lucy
Lucy. 114 x 122cm Acrylic pop art painting on canvas from the 1980s collection of paintings. * Giclee update
Little Egypt
Little Egypt. 114 x 122cm Acrylic pop art painting on canvas from the 1980s collection of paintings. * Giclee update
Doug Kemp Pop Art By Decade & Format
Pop Art sorted by decade and format. Ultimate Retro, some of Doug’s paintings are so old they could even be considered antiques in their own right.