Be Cool Silkscreen Print by Choice Royce Hand-Pulled on Cougar Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Screenprint Artwork.
2013 Signed Limited Edition of 35 Artwork Size 17.5x23.5 Silkscreen Print
Be Cool Silkscreen Print by Choice Royce
Be Cool is a bold and playful silkscreen print by Choice Royce, a piece that captures the expressive and dynamic energy of street pop art & graffiti artwork. Created in 2013, this hand-pulled screenprint on Cougar Fine Art Paper measures 17.5x23.5 inches and was produced as a signed limited edition of 35. The artwork features two cartoonish, exaggerated characters locked in an intense exchange, their emotions vividly conveyed through expressive facial features and stark color contrasts. This print embodies the raw, unfiltered visual language of contemporary street art, drawing inspiration from graffiti culture, pop art, and underground comics.
Expressive Characters and Street Art Influence
Choice Royce’s Be Cool presents a strikingly simple yet powerful composition, with two rounded, amorphous figures occupying the foreground against a solid gradient blue background. The character on the left, in yellow, appears slightly distressed, with raised eyebrows, clenched teeth, and a furrowed brow that spells out the letters "R U." The green character on the right, however, is far more animated, its wide-open mouth and exaggerated expressions indicating an aggressive or frustrated outburst. The juxtaposition of these two personalities creates a compelling visual dialogue, drawing the viewer into the tension of the scene. This kind of character-driven work is a hallmark of street pop art & graffiti artwork, where exaggerated expressions and simple yet bold designs convey emotion with immediacy. The use of heavy black outlines, flat colors, and minimal shading gives the artwork a raw, almost hand-drawn energy reminiscent of graffiti murals and sticker art found in urban environments. The influence of street culture, DIY aesthetics, and underground comics is evident in the simplicity of the design, which relies on minimal detail to maximize impact.
Color, Form, and the Language of Urban Pop Art
The color palette in Be Cool is both striking and deliberate, utilizing primary hues that create a sense of bold contrast and visual clarity. The bright yellow and green figures stand out sharply against the gradient blue background, a color choice that enhances the feeling of confrontation and energy in the scene. The smooth, rounded forms of the characters soften the intensity of their expressions, giving the piece a playful, almost cartoonish aesthetic that aligns with the themes of humor and exaggeration often found in street pop art & graffiti artwork. This use of bold, high-contrast color is a signature element in urban pop art, where simplicity in form is often balanced with striking visual impact. The lack of intricate details forces the viewer to focus on the emotional content of the characters, making the artwork an effective study in visual communication. The piece thrives on its ability to evoke human emotions through a minimalist yet expressive style, a technique frequently employed by street artists who use public spaces as their canvas.
The Narrative and Cultural Relevance of Be Cool
At its core, Be Cool is a commentary on human interaction, communication, and the push-and-pull dynamics of relationships. The expressions and body language of the characters suggest a moment of tension, possibly a disagreement or an emotional outburst, reflecting the kinds of everyday conflicts and exchanges that define modern life. The ambiguous context allows the viewer to interpret the scene based on personal experience, making it a relatable and engaging work of art. Choice Royce’s ability to distill emotion into such a minimal composition speaks to the power of street pop art & graffiti artwork as a storytelling medium. By stripping down the imagery to its most essential elements, the artist creates a universally understandable scene that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. This direct, no-frills approach to art aligns with the raw energy of graffiti and urban expression, making Be Cool a perfect example of how street pop art can capture human emotions in a way that is both humorous and deeply resonant. This limited edition silkscreen print not only highlights the artist’s distinctive style but also serves as a testament to the lasting impact of expressive, character-driven street art. Be Cool stands as a vibrant, playful, and thought-provoking piece that captures the essence of contemporary urban visual culture, making it a valuable addition to any collection of street pop art & graffiti artwork.
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