Artwork Description
And Then Things Got Better- Hate Limited Edition Archival Pigment Prints on 330gsm Fine Art Paper by Denial Graffiti Street Artist Modern Pop Art.
2021 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 25 Artwork Size 24x24 Hate Variant
And Then Things Got Better – Hate Edition by Denial in Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork
And Then Things Got Better – Hate is a stark and emotionally charged archival pigment print created in 2021 by Canadian graffiti and pop artist Denial, born Daniel Bombardier. Released as a limited edition of only 25 signed and numbered prints, this artwork measures 24 x 24 inches and is produced on 330gsm museum-grade fine art paper. Known for his confrontational visuals and bold aesthetic rooted in consumer critique, Denial utilizes the visual language of comic art to explore psychological complexity through accessible pop iconography. In this Hate variant, the entire color palette is stripped down to grayscale, replacing the warmth and vibrancy of other versions with chilling neutrality. The caption panel in steel grey sets the emotional tone, while the central female figure—rendered in only black, white, and soft gray—expresses quiet anguish, captured mid-thought or in the wake of emotional turmoil.
The Aesthetic and Emotional Distinction of the Hate Variant
This version of Denial’s iconic piece is not just a color shift; it is a deliberate recalibration of tone and message. The grayscale palette evokes detachment, coldness, and numbness, suggesting a psychological state that exists after trauma or emotional collapse. The woman’s face, modeled on mid-century pop comic heroines, feels frozen and devoid of warmth—an intentional contrast that communicates emotional suppression rather than catharsis. The caption And Then Things Got Better, when read through the filter of the Hate edition, becomes deeply ironic. It may hint at repression, anger, or resignation masked by a public-facing statement of recovery. The tearless face, the narrowed gaze, and the absence of saturated color transform the image into a statement about the silence and distance that often follow intense personal or societal strain.
Denial’s Commentary Through Minimalism in Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork
Denial has long used mass media aesthetics to speak about propaganda, emotional manipulation, and the illusions behind commercial and cultural messages. In this Hate variant, he strips the image to its essential structure to expose emotional contradiction. The crisp linework, patterned Ben-Day dot textures, and monochromatic shading reinforce the graphic roots of his style, while the stripped-back execution demands viewers focus on tone and posture rather than color. Denial’s participation in Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork includes both wall-based interventions and limited edition fine art prints. Each format reflects his core mission: to disrupt perception and provoke thought using visual devices drawn from advertising and pop culture. This piece, though quieter in palette, is one of the loudest in emotional tension. It captures the essence of denial—not just the artist's moniker, but the human behavior—where feelings are buried beneath public declarations.
Craftsmanship and Collectibility of the Hate Edition
Printed with pigment-based inks on 330gsm acid-free fine art paper, the Hate edition is crafted to maintain both visual integrity and physical longevity. The texture of the paper allows the grayscale tones to achieve subtle variations in shading, while the precision of the print highlights every line and halftone. Each piece is signed and numbered by the artist, affirming its value as a collectible within Denial’s larger body of work. The choice to release this variant in a small edition of 25 enhances its exclusivity and relevance, especially for collectors attuned to the emotional narratives within pop art. As a statement within Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork, the Hate variant serves as a reminder that even the boldest images can carry quiet, unresolved messages. It is a visual testament to the moments where the world insists things are better—but the body, and the face, still remember.
