NATIONAL DAYARTS

National Pop Art Day

Explore the vibrant world of pop art with a focus on creativity and expression.

JAN28

Thursday, January 28Every year on January 28

days to go

Roots: 1950s United Kingdom and United States
Vibe: Bold, colorful, and accessible.
Also on Jan 28: Crossing Guard Day · Gift of the Ladybug Day · Kazoo Day
Hashtag: #NationalPopArtDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Make a pop portrait

Turn a photo of yourself into bold, bright colors with an app or paint.

WITH FRIENDS

Paint like Warhol

Each person paints the same object in wild colors, then hang them in a row.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Color the break room

Print bold pop art posters and brighten up the office walls for the day.

Plan ahead

National Pop Art Day is observed on January 28 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Wed, Jan 28this year

2027Thu, Jan 28

2028Fri, Jan 28

2029Sun, Jan 28

2030Mon, Jan 28

2031Tue, Jan 28

2032Wed, Jan 28

2033Fri, Jan 28

2034Sat, Jan 28

2035Sun, Jan 28

2036Mon, Jan 28

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans sold for $11.8 million.

Roy Lichtenstein's Whaam! is one of the most recognized pop artworks.

The story

Pop art emerged in the 1950s as a reaction to the dominant artistic movements of the time, such as Abstract Expressionism. It sought to challenge traditional art forms by incorporating elements from popular culture, advertising, and mass media. Artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Claes Oldenburg began to use imagery from commercial products and comic strips, creating works that were both accessible and thought-provoking. This movement not only redefined what art could be but also blurred the lines between high culture and low culture, inviting broader audiences to engage with art.

Read the full story

One of the defining characteristics of pop art is its vibrant use of color and bold graphic design. Warhol's repetitive use of imagery, such as his iconic Marilyn Monroe series, highlights the impact of consumerism and celebrity culture. Lichtenstein’s works, characterized by their comic book style, utilized Ben-Day dots and speech bubbles, transforming mundane scenes into captivating visual narratives. These artists, along with others, helped to elevate everyday objects to the status of fine art, encouraging viewers to reconsider the significance of the world around them.

National Pop Art Day, celebrated on January 28, serves as an opportunity for art lovers and newcomers alike to explore this dynamic movement. Communities across the United States host exhibitions, workshops, and discussions that delve into the history and significance of pop art. Social media platforms come alive with users sharing their favorite pop art pieces or creating their own interpretations, fostering a sense of connection and creativity among participants.

As the influence of pop art continues to thrive, its relevance in today’s society is undeniable. From fashion to digital media, elements of pop art are woven into the fabric of contemporary culture. National Pop Art Day invites everyone to embrace their inner artist, celebrate creativity, and reflect on how this vibrant movement has shaped artistic expression over the decades.