SHOOT SIGNED LINDNER 1969 LITHOGRAPH

German-American artist Richard Lindner (1901-1978) designed this provocative lithograph in 1969. Titled Shoot, it is signed and numbered (59/175) and part of a larger portfolio of works by him comprising his Fun City, New York series.  

After an early career as a book and magazine illustrator, Lindner turned to painting and often painted images of figures with surrealist and cubist elements. He became known for his erotic drawings inspired by the garishness of New York street life, with a frequent focus on violence and sex in contemporary urban settings.  His works reflect some aspects of Pop art, but he did not associate himself with the Pop art movement.

This particular lithograph obviously reveals the artist's preoccupation with sex and violence. It shows the sculpted backsides of two street figures, one male and one female, both outlandishly dressed in skin-tight pants that sexualize them.  It adds the suggestion of violence with the word “Shoot” appearing between two bulls-eye targets.

With its late 1960s vibe of hip, psychedelic clothing and a street lifestyle matching that and with the hint of urban violence mixed in, this poster provides an interesting look back at an interesting time.

Condition: A