Roy Lichtenstein Painting at the Equitable – AXA Building

³⁄₅ stars seems extremely arbitrary, but here we are. It’s art. I give it three because it didn’t evoke any immediate reactions other than instant recognition: yes this is a painting by a famed artist. Roy. Lichtenstein.
Upon further research, I learned from Wikipedia that the mural is «a hedonistic view of earthly insignificance» which seems to be quoted everywhere but nobody goes into further explanation of what that actually means. My best guess: the feminine hand with the sponge wipes away layers, representing erasure /​renewal, and the blue brushstroke creates them, representing continual creation of things that don’t really make sense. It is aesthetically pleasing to a certain extent, partly due to it’s whiteness, in color and of the artist.

No fotos allowed in the lobby.
A mural painted by any world class talent is worthy of a long look. Explore if you are able and walk around the building; there are usually other works of art installed in the breezeway in the back, more murals in the surrounding clubs culminating with Radio City Music Hall on 6^th Ave.

In a city full of great free art from SoHo and Tribeca up to the Fashion Institute’s free exhibits and the street art on Madison and Park this is perhaps the most striking large scale piece of work in the city that you can see without paying. A talented man and a substantial influence in the pop-​art scene Lichtenstein’s works can be seen across the world everywhere from museums to airports to public spaces but «Mural with Blue Brushstroke» remains one of my favorites both in size and grandeur.

I saw this piece this morning at a conference. it is quite a marvel in how big it is, and really how big the lobby is. Good if you’re here for a conference or walking down 7^th ave. lobby is pretty grandiose (sp). I uploaded a pic for you guys.

Roy Lichtenstein’s 70 foot painting «Mural with Blue Brushstroke» in the main lobby of 787 7^th Avenue is truly something to see. No museum entrance fees, it is free to admire and enjoy.
So often, large-​scale works by contemporary artists are seen best in open, airy corporate spaces instead of museums. This is particularly true when the architect designs with the artwork in mind, as is the case here.
By far Lichtenstein’s largest work, Mural with Blue Brushstroke was commissioned by The Equitable Insurance Company, now AXA, to compliment the Whitney Museums Collection, which originally occupied the two galleries facing Seventh Avenue.
It is quite a marvel, whether you have only five minutes to steal a glance or can stay and enjoy it longer
Jacqueline Cable