Beast of Burden Standard Silkscreen Print by Lee Eelus Hand-Pulled 2-Color Screen Print on Deckled 300gsm Somerset Satin Paper Limited Edition Pop Street Art Artwork.
2017 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 150 Artwork Size 27.55x19.68
Lee Eelus is a contemporary British artist known for his thought-provoking and visually striking works, which often blend street art techniques with traditional fine art practices. His art often explores themes of duality and the human condition, and his distinctive style is characterized by bold colors and intricate stencil work. "Beast of Burden" is a standard silkscreen print created by Lee Eelus. Silkscreen printing is a technique in which an image is transferred onto a surface, such as paper or fabric, by forcing ink through a mesh screen. This process allows for the creation of vibrant and detailed prints, which can be replicated multiple times. In "Beast of Burden," Eelus portrays an animal, possibly a donkey or a mule, carrying a heavy load on its back. The piece is likely a commentary on the burden that humans place on animals, both physically and metaphorically, and it may also serve as a reflection on the weight that we all carry in our lives. The rich colors and intricate design of the piece make it a visually captivating work that is sure to spark conversation and reflection.
Hand Deckled Paper: A Textured Tradition in Modern Urban Art
The Craft of Decking in Artistic Expression
The hand-deckled paper carries a tactile and visual richness that has found its way into the practices of street pop art and graffiti artwork. Deckling refers to the method of hand-tearing paper to produce a distinctively feathered edge, contrasting the precise cuts seen in mass-produced materials. This traditional technique imbues each piece with a unique, handcrafted quality, signaling a human touch in the increasingly mechanized art production process.
Deckled Paper in the Context of Street Art
In the context of street art, hand-decked paper serves as a bridge between the transient nature of outdoor murals and the enduring quality of gallery pieces. Artists who translate their work from public spaces to private collections often choose deckled paper for limited edition prints or more miniature scale reproductions, providing art enthusiasts with a piece of the street aesthetic they can own. The irregular edges of deckled paper remind viewers of the imperfections and textures of urban walls, echoing the original context of street art.
Materiality and Technique
The materiality of hand-deckled paper is paramount. The paper is often thicker and more absorbent than standard types, allowing for a rich application of inks and paints that many street pop artists and graffiti writers favor. The decking technique requires patience and a deft hand, as the artist must carefully manipulate the paper to achieve the desired edge. This process ensures that no two pieces are identical, each bearing the marks of its creation.
Aesthetic Appeal and Symbolism
Aesthetically, the appeal of hand-deckled paper lies in its organic and artisanal feel. The deckled edges can subtly frame the artwork, drawing the eye inward and emphasizing the content. Symbolically, the use of hand-deckled paper can represent a respect for the craftsmanship and heritage of artistry, even within the forward-thinking realms of street pop and graffiti art. It is a nod to the past within the ever-evolving narrative of contemporary art.
Integration of Deckled Paper in Modern Art Practices
Integrating hand-deckled paper into modern art practices reflects a growing trend towards the artisanal in a digital world. Street pop and graffiti artists often blend cutting-edge techniques with traditional materials, and hand-deckled paper is a favored medium for this synthesis. The unique edges can also serve as a metaphor for the blurred lines between street art and fine art, between the ephemeral and the permanent. The hand-deckled paper has found a distinctive niche in street pop art and graffiti artwork, revered for its handmade quality and the individuality it brings to each piece. As artists and collectors seek authenticity and connection to the art-making process, hand-decked paper provides a tactile and visual link to the history of artistic expression. In the hands of today's urban artists, this traditional material is reimagined and repurposed, carrying with it the story of art's evolution from the street to the studio and beyond.
