Blam

The painting is based on the January–February 1962 comic book series All-American Men of War edition #89 published by National Periodical Publications Inc. The painting depicts a pilot ejecting from an exploding plane. The same issue was the inspiration for several other Lichtenstein paintings, Okay Hot-Shot, Okay!, Brattata, Whaam! and Text! The graphite pencil sketch, Jet Pilot was also from that issue. When Lichtenstein had his first solo show at The Leo Castelli Gallery in February 1962, it sold out before opening. Blam sold for $1000 ($7,796 in 2014 dollars), according to one source, but less than $1000 according to another. The exhibition included Look Mickey, Engagement Ring and The Refrigerator. The show ran from February 10 through March 3. The work appeared in the exhibition entitled 'The New Realists' at the Sidney Janis Gallery from 1 November to 1 December 1962.