"The challenge for an artist is always to find your own way of doing something."
Tom Wesselmann (1931–2004) was a leading figure in American Pop Art. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he studied psychology before serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his military service, he pursued art studies at the Cooper Union in New York City, where he met his future wife and muse, Claire Selley. Wesselmann's work is characterized by vibrant depictions of the female nude, still lifes, and interiors, often incorporating elements of consumer culture and advertising. He is renowned for his "Great American Nude" series and innovative use of shaped canvases and metal cutouts. Throughout his career, Wesselmann sought to make figurative art as exciting as abstract art.