Called “word sculptures,” each of these new works features Lichtenstein’s scenes—much like the nude bathers depicted by Renoir, Cezanne or Picasso—integrated into thick, clear acrylic letters that together spell evocative words, such as “WILD,” “DIRTY,” “YUMMY,” “BLOOM” or “WAR,” to name a few.

Layering these images behind a dense buffer of acrylic, the pieces take a critical distance from their own content and beg the viewer to do the same. Through this thick lens, the viewer is again asked to engage with and question whether these women are depicted solely to satisfy an insatiable male-dominated gaze, or if such a theory is too narrow, neglecting to address the complex nature of women and their desire to enjoy their sexuality, enjoy their bodies and their desire to be desirable.

Lichtenstein provokes the viewer to confront their own reactions to these intensely sexual images—whether it be feelings of shock, disgust, power, vulnerability or longing—and decide what they are comfortable with, and why.

Peep Show, Lichtenstein‘s first solo exhibition in the Hamptons, opens Memorial Day weekend, with a reception on Saturday, May 25 from 9–11 p.m., and will run through Monday, June 17.