Polka dot art has a rich history which owes to its mainstream popularity even now, 90 years after its immergence in American culture. In fashion, polka dots are believed to make their first appearance in the late 1800’s in England. Even Winston Churchill was known to sport polka dots on his bow-ties. Across the pond in 1961 Minnie Mouse becomes polka dotted art with her iconic red and white dress and bow.
Key masters of polka dot artwork or Pointillists, such as Paul Signac’s Breakfast and Georges Seurat famous Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand Jatte must be included whenever talking about the rich history. Even Edouard Manet had a hand in the movement with his Luncheon on the Grass. More recently, artist Yayoi Kusama made avant garde artwork using polka dots. It can even be found in comics, such as DC Comics “Polka-Dot Man” supervillain.
Even sports events are fond of polka dot art pieces—Tour de France champions have sported polka dots since 1975. Musicians such as Brian Hyland and his song, “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” can’t resist the pull of the famous dot. Even Frank Sinatra recorded a cover of “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” in the 1940’s.
From the whimsy of Ingrid Blixt’s Polka Dot Duck, to the 1960’s feeling of Tina Amico’s La Plage de Polka Dot bring home a part of the iconic artwork. Naxart has several polka dot prints of the world both in color and black and white.
