Nasty Nas- Cut The Record Original One of a Kind Mixed Media on Laser Cut Wood Panel With Industrial Resin Painting Artwork by Popular Street Graffiti Artist Tavar Zawacki (Above).
Mixed Media on Laser Cut Wood Panel With Industrial Resin Size: 22 x 22 Inches (56 x 56 cm) Release: May 06, 2016. Cut the Record (Nas), 2014 Mixed media on laser cut wood panel with industrial resin 22 inches (55.9 cm) diameter Ed. 1/1 Signed to reverse.
"The 'Cut The Record' series was made solely for this release and was part of my most recent exhibition Remix. This was a very personal series for me, as I selected 10 of my favorite musicians to portray and Remix. All of the 10 musicians I selected to make for this series are personal favorites of mine. Music I actually listen to on a day-to-day basis. For my exhibition, I kinda tweaked the meaning of Remix to fit the swapping and sampling of different, but similar pieces of woodcuts I had made on the pieces. With the 10 musicians, I selected for the 'Cut The Record' series each has either had their music remixed and or remixed music themselves. Since Illmatic Album in 1994, I don’t think a week has gone by since I’ve listened to that album. One of my favorite albums." - Above
Wood panel laser cut and cradled artworks represent a synthesis of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, and they have carved out a unique niche in the world of pop art, street art, and graffiti artwork. Artists within these movements have increasingly incorporated such techniques to create pieces that offer a new dimension to the visual language of their work, combining the tactile quality of wood with the precision of laser cutting. Laser cutting technology has allowed artists to achieve intricate designs on wood panels with an unprecedented level of detail and precision. This process involves using a high-powered laser to cut or engrave designs into the wood, guided by digital vector files. The result is a piece that juxtaposes the organic texture of the wood with the clean lines and shapes afforded by laser cutting. When these panels are cradled, meaning attached to a wooden frame, they gain additional depth and structure, transforming them into durable and display-ready artworks.
Techniques and Aesthetics
The aesthetics of wood panel laser cut artworks in the street pop art and graffiti scenes are as varied as the artists themselves. Some choose to leave the wood bare, allowing the natural grain to interact with the cut designs, while others paint or stain the wood to create a more vibrant effect. The laser-cut portions can reveal layers beneath, incorporate other materials, or stand alone as negative space to dramatic effect. The cradling technique not only strengthens the artwork but also provides a visual frame that can contrast or complement the piece, adding an additional layer of intention to the artwork.
Cultural Resonance of Laser Cut Art
Culturally, these artworks resonate with the DIY ethos of street art and graffiti, despite the high-tech nature of their creation. They embody the spirit of innovation and experimentation that is central to these art forms. Moreover, wood panel laser cut artworks often feature iconography and motifs from street pop art and graffiti, linking them to the urban context from which these movements derive energy and inspiration. The blend of wood, a natural and traditional material, with laser cutting, a product of modern technology, reflects the hybrid nature of contemporary culture.
Impact on Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork
The introduction of laser-cut wood panels into street pop art and graffiti artwork has expanded the possibilities for artists in terms of texture, form, and the interplay of light and shadow. This medium offers a new way to explore the themes typical of these movements, such as commentary on consumerism, social justice, and urban life. As artists continue to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with wood panels and laser cutting, the potential for innovation within these art forms continues to grow. Wood panel laser cut and cradled artworks are a testament to the evolving nature of pop art, street art, and graffiti artwork. They encapsulate the forward-thinking approaches of artists who are unafraid to blend old and new techniques to forge new paths in artistic expression. These pieces not only challenge traditional notions of what these art forms can be but also offer collectors and enthusiasts new ways to engage with and appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity inherent in street pop art and graffiti artwork.
