Benday dots are primarily associated with which medium?

Benday dots are primarily associated with commercial printing due to their use in the reproduction of images and graphics in magazines, comic books, and advertisements. This technique involves the application of small dots of color in varying densities to create a full range of tones and shades. The Benday method, developed by Louis Prang in the 19th century, was revolutionized in the mid-20th century by artists like Roy Lichtenstein, who incorporated it into pop art to comment on the relationships between fine art and commercial media.

The specificity of Benday dots makes them less relevant to oil painting, sculpture, or photography. Each of those mediums has distinct techniques and methods for image production that do not incorporate the dot patterning characteristic of Benday dots. Consequently, understanding the medium's foundation in commercial printing clarifies the significant role it played in creating reproducible art forms that had a considerable impact on popular culture and graphic design.