William N. Copley, also known by the name of CPLY, drew attention to himself in the late 1940s by fusing elements of Surrealism and Pop Art. Copley focused on symbols of American pop culture—staples of American society including pin-up girls, cowboys and the flag—and transformed them into more accessible, universal icons that could appeal to both men and women without bias.
In the '70s, Copley distinguished himself from the rest of the Surrealists by attempting to represent the tumultuous relationship between erotic and pornographic symbolism. He celebrated the female body, sexual freedom and, most of all, the promiscuity of America.
1981 acrylic on linen and lace, in artist's frame 42 x 29 x 3 in. (106.7 x 73.7 x 7.6 cm.) Signed, titled and dated "DAMN THESE BIRDS cply 81" lower right.
Estimate $8,000 - 12,000
Sold for $8,125
Contact Specialist Benjamin Godsill
Head of Sale
bgodsill@phillips.com +1 212 940 1260