Peter Saul is widely regarded as one of the most significant artists of our time, known for his provocative and daring approach to art. Often described as a “violator of good taste”, Saul has been hailed as a successor to Surrealism and credited as the father of Pop Art. 

His groundbreaking contributions to the art world include the establishment of Bad Painting, a distinctive style characterized by vibrant colors and exaggerated distortions that serve as a jubilant portrayal of societal lawlessness and violence. Through his works, Saul employs biting sarcasm to critique these issues, creating thought-provoking “indictments” of contemporary society.

Saul’s influence extends beyond his artistic style. He is recognized as a pivotal figure in the emergence of a politically incorrect movement that has flourished among diverse artists in the United States, such as Sue Williams, Kara Walker, Robert Melee, and Carroll Dunham. His bold and unapologetic approach has inspired a generation of artists to challenge societal norms and engage in vibrant political discourse through their art.

Over his illustrious six-decade career, Saul has consistently pushed artistic boundaries. In the 1950s, he introduced iconic comic and cartoon characters like Superman and Donald Duck into his expressionist paintings. In the mid-1960s, he dedicated a series of works to vehemently protest the Vietnam War and its associated militarism. In the 1970s, he embarked on reimagining masterpieces like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Picasso’s “Guernica”, infusing them with his unique perspective. Continually drawing inspiration from mass media and art history, Saul’s works captivate viewers through their childlike markings and juxtaposition of clashing colors, evoking both disturbance and engagement.