Among the key figures who are credited with starting Pop Art are:
- Jasper Johns: Johns's work often incorporated elements of popular culture, such as flags and targets. His 1955 painting "Three Flags" is considered one of the first major works of Pop Art.
- Robert Rauschenberg: Rauschenberg's work was also influenced by popular culture, and he often used found objects and collage in his work. His 1955 installation "Erased de Kooning Drawing" is another early example of Pop Art.
- Andy Warhol: Warhol is often considered to be the most famous Pop artist. His work was characterized by its use of bright colors and bold imagery, often taken from popular culture and advertising. His 1962 series "Campbell's Soup Cans" is one of his most iconic works.
- Roy Lichtenstein: Lichtenstein's work was inspired by comic books and advertisements. His paintings often used Ben-Day dots to create a sense of mass production. His 1963 painting "Drowning Girl" is one of his most well-known works.
These artists, along with others, are credited with helping to define Pop Art as a movement and bringing it into the mainstream.