William Nelson Copley

1976

1976

William Nelson Copley, also known as CPLY, was an American painter with his works being classified as late Surrealist and a precursor to Pop Art. Copley’s works evolved from the early 50s and 60s, ironic and humorous images of Western saloons, cowboys, and pin-up girls, to the late 1960s where his pieces were considered a combination of American and Mexican folk art. In the 70s he focused on the differences and challenges between men and women in romantic and sexual relationships. Among Copley’s solo exhibitions was a show in Amsterdam by the Stedlijk Museum, which became the first public institution to add a Copley to their collection.