Roy Lichtenstein and Polich Tallix

Polich Tallix Fine Art Foundry, formerly Tallix Foundry and now known as Urban Art Projects, is a prominent art foundry in the lower Hudson Valley in New York. The Foundry specializes in creating large-scale sculptures, casting, and fabrication. Founder Dick Polich had gained a reputation for his expertise in the casting of large-scale works and quickly established himself as a leader in the field, producing work for artists such as Jasper Johns, Jeff Koons, and Roy Lichtenstein.

Roy Lichtenstein had a long-standing relationship with Tallix Foundry, starting in the late 1980s and continuing until his passing in 1997. Tallix Foundry produced several of Lichtenstein's most notable sculptures during this period, such as Brushstrokes in Flight and House I.

Brushstrokes in Flight is a massive sculpture that stands over 30 feet tall and weighs over 15,000 pounds. It was created in 1996, just a year before Lichtenstein's death, and is one of the largest and most complex sculptures he ever produced. The sculpture comprises a series of brightly coloured steel brushstrokes that seem to be suspended in mid-air. The illusion of weightlessness is achieved through a complex internal support structure designed and fabricated by Tallix Foundry. "Brushstrokes in Flight" is considered one of the defining works of Lichtenstein's late period and is widely regarded as one of the most important sculptures of the 20th century.

House I is a significant sculpture created by Lichtenstein in 1996 in partnership with Tallix Foundry. It is a large-scale replica of a traditional American house, composed of brightly coloured steel panels cut and shaped to form the house's distinct structure. The panels are connected using bolts and fasteners cleverly concealed to give the impression of a seamless whole. "House I" is often interpreted as a reflection on the American dream of homeownership and the idealized portrayal of suburban life.

Tallix Foundry also created several more miniature sculptures and editions for Lichtenstein as part of their collaboration. These works include Still Life with Crystal Bowl and Modern Head, both known for featuring Lichtenstein's distinctive comic book style.

Tallix Foundry's work with Lichtenstein helped to establish the Foundry's reputation as one of the leading art fabricators in the world. The complex and demanding nature of Lichtenstein's sculptures required a high level of expertise and technical skill, which Tallix Foundry could provide. The collaboration between Lichtenstein and Tallix Foundry also highlights the importance of the relationship between artist and fabricator in creating large-scale sculpture. With the technical expertise and creativity of the FoundryFoundry, Lichtenstein's ambitious sculptural projects were possible.