The 1960s, arguably one of the most tumultuous change agent decades in our recent past, serves as the backdrop for the AMC TV series, Mad Men.The series spans seven seasons and chronicles social and political ideology through the lives of the characters working on Madison Avenue from 1960-1969.Much has been critically discussed about the characters’ code of conduct and how much times have changed (Litchock-Morellato 1). This soon to be pop-culture classic has arguably spawned a new brand of hipsters that have grown to appreciate everything sixties as evidenced in Rayban’s popular Wayfarer sunglasses being sported incessantly as well as a revivial of sixties décor in the home.
This paper will examine a facet of style as the focal point, which has not gotten as much press—the artwork featured in Mad Men.With a focus on office art and art in the home of some of the major characters (Don, Peggy, Roger and Burt), a different side of the show will be explored.The artwork serves as a catalyst in discussing the cultural changes as well as the character’s sense of style.
In short, Burt Cooper’s fascination with Japanese Art and Rothko exudes a sense of mystery and intrigue from colleagues and underlings alike (‘The Gold Violin’ 2: 207).On the other hand, Roger Sterling’s Optical (office) Art creates a dichotomy that mirrors the changes taking place both inside and outside of the office culture (‘Public Relations’ 4: 401).The shift and variety in style parallels the world in which each of these characters dwell.
Works Cited
“Gold Violin, The”. Mad Men: Season 2. Writ. Jane Anderson, Andre and Maria Jacquemetton and Matthew Weiner . Dir. Andrew Bernstein. Lionsgate, 2008. DVD.
Litchock-Morellato, Faith. “The Culture of Mad Women: Poking Holes in the Glass Ceiling”. Mid-Atlantic Popular and American Culture Association, November 2011. Unpublished conference proceedings. Boston, Massachusetts, 2011. Print.
“Public Relations”. Mad Men: Season 4. Writ. Matthew Weiner. Dir. Phil Abraham.
Lionsgate, 2010. DVD.
About the presenterFaith Litchock-Morellato
Faith Litchock-Morellato is an Assistant Professor of ESL and Composition at Wentworth Institute of Technology. She is a current member of TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages and MATSOL (Massachusetts Association of Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages). Ms. Litchock-Morellato holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from World Learning (formerly the School for International Training).