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Music genre

Art pop

Art pop is a music genre that emerged in United Kingdom in the 1950s. It is usually classed as a form of pop music. Explore key artists and related styles.

About Art pop

Art pop is a music genre that emerged in United Kingdom in the 1950s. It is usually classed as a form of pop music.

Artists closely associated with the genre include David Bowie, Björk, Duran Duran, Kate Bush, Lorde and The Velvet Underground.

From Wikipedia

Art pop is a loosely defined style of pop music that emerged in the mid-1960s, influenced by art theories as well as ideas from other art mediums, such as fashion, fine art, cinema, contemporary art and avant-garde literature. The genre draws on pop art's integration of high and low culture, and emphasizes imagery, style, and gesture over personal expression. Art pop musicians may deviate from traditional pop audiences and rock music conventions, instead exploring postmodern approaches and ideas such as pop's status as commercial art, notions of artifice and the self, and questions of historical authenticity.

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Art pop.

Key artists

  • David Bowie
  • Björk
  • Duran Duran
  • Kate Bush
  • Lorde
  • The Velvet Underground
  • Peter Gabriel
  • Brian Eno
  • Blur
  • Gorillaz

Related genres

Frequently asked questions

What is Art pop?

Art pop is a music genre that emerged in United Kingdom in the 1950s. It is usually classed as a form of pop music.

Where and when did Art pop originate?

Art pop originated in United Kingdom in the 1950s.

Who are famous Art pop artists?

David Bowie, Björk, Duran Duran, Kate Bush, Lorde and The Velvet Underground.

Sources & credits