Iconic Art

What does it mean for something to be iconic? Deriving from the Greek word for image, “eikon”, to call something iconic is to anoint it recognisable, emblematic, quintessential. In art, iconic can refer to an artist’s style, most famous subject or even their use of icons, like love hearts. Charles Blackman’s Schoolgirls are iconic, as is John Olsen’s vivacious line – both stand as symbols for a shared understanding of the artist. Some artists like to play with this unspoken recognition, presenting icons in unexpected ways. By remixing the icons of art and popular culture, artists draws on, refresh and subvert our visual lexicon.