Is Two Cheeseburgers, with Everything (Dual Hamburgers) under copyright?

Yes, this artwork is still under copyright.

What is the thematic context of Two Cheeseburgers, with Everything (Dual Hamburgers)?

surrealism, consumer culture, monumental scale, collaborative art, pop art legacy

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claes thure oldenburg
Two Cheeseburgers, with Everything (Dual Hamburgers)

Quick Facts

Influences:
- Surrealism
- Dada
Subject or theme: Consumer culture; everyday objects
Movement: Pop Art
Artistic style: Bold lines, bright colors
Title: Two Cheeseburgers, with Everything (Dual Hamburgers)
Notable elements or techniques: Soft sculpture; exaggerated scale
Medium: Burlap soaked in plaster, painted with enamel

Collectible Description

Two Cheeseburgers, with Everything (Dual Hamburgers): A Monument to Everyday Absurdity

Claes Oldenburg’s “Two Cheeseburgers, with Everything,” created in 1962, stands as a cornerstone of Pop Art and a masterful demonstration of how sculpture can transform the mundane into the monumental. More than just a depiction of a hamburger—a symbol of American consumer culture—the piece embodies Oldenburg's signature approach: confronting grand artistic conventions with playful irreverence and celebrating the commonplace.

Born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1929, Claes Oldenburg embarked on an artistic journey fueled by Surrealism and Dada’s questioning spirit. He honed his sculptural skills at Yale University before establishing himself as a prominent voice within the burgeoning Pop Art movement alongside fellow innovators like Jim Dine and Allan Kaprow. This collaborative ethos profoundly shaped his creative vision, resulting in groundbreaking installations that blurred the lines between art and architecture.

The genesis of “Two Cheeseburgers” occurred during Oldenburg’s ambitious project dubbed “The Store,” which debuted in December 1961 at a modest storefront on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Alongside fellow artists, including Lucas Samaras and Tom Wesselmann, Oldenburg presented three oversized soft sculptures—a hamburger, an ice cream cone, and a cake—each meticulously crafted from burlap soaked in plaster and painstakingly painted with enamel. This deliberate juxtaposition of scale challenged viewers’ perceptions of reality and underscored Oldenburg's fascination with the transformative potential of art.

Technically speaking, Oldenburg employed a technique that prioritized tactile experience alongside visual impact. The sculptures were constructed using chicken wire encased in plaster, creating a robust framework for layering textured surfaces—including lettuce, cheese slices, tomato wedges, and pickles—to mimic the appearance of a fully assembled cheeseburger. This meticulous attention to detail wasn’t merely decorative; it served as a deliberate provocation against the prevailing seriousness of Abstract Expressionism.

Beyond its formal qualities, “Two Cheeseburgers” carries significant symbolic weight. The oversized burger functions as an emblem of American prosperity and indulgence—a deliberately ironic commentary on societal values. Simultaneously, Oldenburg’s choice to represent a familiar food item within the context of monumental sculpture elevates it to the level of art, questioning hierarchies of taste and suggesting that beauty can be found in unexpected places. As Alfred H. Barr Jr., MoMA's founding director noted upon witnessing the installation, Oldenburg’s work was “brilliant,” marking a pivotal moment in redefining artistic boundaries.

The piece’s enduring legacy resides not only in its aesthetic achievements but also in its conceptual boldness—a testament to Oldenburg’s unwavering commitment to exploring humor and absurdity as avenues for artistic expression. Its inclusion in MoMA's collection solidified its place within the canon of 20th-century art, ensuring that “Two Cheeseburgers” continues to inspire contemplation on scale, materiality, and the role of art in shaping our understanding of the everyday world.

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Artist Biography

Claes Oldenburg: Sculpting Everyday Life into Monumental Art

Claes Oldenburg (1929-2022) stands as a towering figure in 20th and 21st century sculpture, transforming familiar objects—butterflies, hamburgers, clothespins, telephones—into colossal sculptures that challenge perceptions of scale and invite contemplation. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Oldenburg’s artistic journey began with explorations of Surrealism and Dada before establishing himself as a prominent voice within the Pop Art movement. His collaborative partnership with Coosje van Bruggen profoundly shaped his creative vision, resulting in groundbreaking installations that blended art and architecture and captivated audiences worldwide.

Early Influences & Artistic Formation

Oldenburg’s formative years were marked by exposure to avant-garde movements like Surrealism and Dada, fostering an interest in questioning conventions and embracing absurdity. He studied sculpture at the Konsthögskolan Stockholm (Royal Swedish Academy of Arts), honing his technical skills while simultaneously cultivating a conceptual approach to artmaking. This early training instilled a fascination with materiality—particularly soft sculpture—which would become a defining characteristic of his oeuvre. Notably, he was influenced by Hannah Wilke’s feminist explorations of the female body and its relationship to sculpture.

The Rise of Soft Sculpture & Monumental Installations

Oldenburg revolutionized sculptural practice with his pioneering use of soft sculpture, creating pliable forms from materials like polyurethane foam and fabric that defied traditional notions of permanence. This technique allowed him to capture the essence of everyday objects—often rendered in oversized proportions—while simultaneously conveying a sense of vulnerability and immediacy. His most iconic works include “Lipstick (Ascending)” on Caterpillar Tracks (1969), a poignant commentary on femininity and consumer culture, and “Spoonbridge & Cherry” (1988), a monumental sculpture commissioned for Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park that embodies the harmonious fusion of art and landscape.

Collaboration with Coosje van Bruggen: A Partnership Defined by Vision

Oldenburg's artistic life gained considerable momentum through his enduring collaboration with Coosje van Bruggen, whom he married in 1953. Together, they embarked on ambitious architectural projects—such as the Museo Madre in Naples—and pushed the boundaries of sculptural experimentation. Van Bruggen’s influence extended beyond collaborative endeavors; she served as Oldenburg's muse and intellectual companion, shaping his artistic sensibilities and bolstering his commitment to exploring complex themes related to identity, gender, and social commentary. Their partnership culminated in a remarkable body of work that cemented their legacy as one of the most influential artistic duos of the latter half of the 20th century.

Legacy & Historical Significance

Claes Oldenburg’s impact on contemporary sculpture is undeniable. His willingness to reimagine familiar objects—often imbued with symbolic resonance—challenged established aesthetic standards and sparked dialogues about art's role in reflecting and shaping cultural values. Beyond his sculptural achievements, Oldenburg championed public art initiatives, demonstrating a belief that art should engage communities and enrich urban environments. He remains celebrated as a visionary artist who transformed the commonplace into extraordinary experiences, securing his place among the giants of modern sculpture and inspiring generations of artists to embrace playful experimentation and confront societal issues with boldness and creativity.