Varnish Finish

1 artwork


  • Know Your Rights Large Format Serigraph Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    Shepard Fairey- OBEY Know Your Rights Large Format Serigraph Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    Know Your Rights- Large Format Limited Edition Hand Pulled 1-Color Serigraph Print on Varnished 100% Cotton Rag Archival Paper with hand-deckled edges by Shepard Fairey Graffiti Street Artist Modern Pop Art. 2014 Signed & Numbered Serigraph Artwork 42 x 42 inchesAugust 21, 201. 42 x 42 Large Format Serigraph.1 Color printed on Varnished 100% Cotton Rag Archival Paper. "Know Your Rights" is a commanding serigraph by Shepard Fairey, an artist who has cemented his place in the contemporary art scene through works that intertwine the ethos of street art with the aesthetic of modern pop art. This piece, released on August 21, 2014, is particularly noteworthy not only for its bold political message but also for the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into the production of each print. As an extensive format work, measuring an impressive 42 x 42 inches, it makes an indelible mark on the viewer, both through its scale and its strikingly stark one-color presentation on varnished 100% cotton rag archival paper, complete with hand-deckled edges. Shepard Fairey is renowned for blending fine art with the raw, in-your-face quality of street art and graffiti, and "Know Your Rights" is a prime example of this synthesis. The piece is anchored by a central image featuring an open book titled "THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN," encapsulating a message of empowerment and the potential for change. This is framed by laurels and a lit torch, evoking classic motifs that signify victory, knowledge, and enlightenment. The bordering texts "OBEY PROPAGANDA" and "KNOW YOUR RIGHTS" play into Fairey's recurring themes of propaganda, control, and the dissemination of information, urging the viewer to question authority and the narratives they are presented with. Each print in this limited edition is signed and numbered by Fairey, signifying its authenticity and connection to the artist's hand. The decision to use a one-color palette speaks to the work's assertive simplicity and Fairey's skill in using contrast and texture to convey depth and resonance. It's a technique that mirrors his street art roots, where messages must be given quickly and memorably. The serigraph process, a labor-intensive method of screen printing, ensures that each impression is of the highest quality, with the varnishing on the cotton rag paper adding a durable, tactile finish that also enhances the visual impact. "Know Your Rights" stands as a powerful statement in Fairey's oeuvre, reflecting his social and political advocacy rendered through his distinct pop art lens. This artwork resonates with the immediacy of street art and carries the weight of historical art traditions, bridging contemporary concerns with timeless expressions of resistance and hope.

    $5,000.00

Varnish Finish
A compelling aspect of urban artistry, whether it's pop art, street art, or graffiti, is the medium's adaptability to the evolving demands of the urban landscape. Over time, artists have sought techniques to not only enhance their artwork's visual appeal but also ensure its longevity against external factors. Varnish finish emerges as a noteworthy topic in this discourse. Traditionally, varnishes are clear transparent hard protective finishes or films primarily used in wood finishing. Derived from resins that were originally developed as protective coatings, varnish can also be employed on other substrates. But how did this tool of the traditional artist or woodworker find its way into the streets? The challenge of preserving street art from the elements, particularly in bustling urban environments, demanded a solution. Street artists and graffiti artists began to recognize the potential of varnish finishes to offer their works a shield against the ravages of time, weather, and human interaction. Pop art, with its roots in commercial and popular culture, often uses techniques and materials that align with those in advertising and mass production. As artists created pieces designed to make bold statements in public spaces, the desire to retain the vibrancy of colors and the integrity of lines became crucial. A varnish finish provided not just protection but also an added sheen that made the colors pop even more, intensifying the intended impact of the artwork. On the gritty streets, where graffiti is often seen as a dynamic and ephemeral form of expression, varnish assumes an additional layer of significance. Beyond protection, the application of a varnish finish could be a bold declaration of the artist's intention for the piece to remain as a fixture, resisting both natural and human-induced wear. It's a statement of defiance, asserting the artwork's right to space and longevity. But it's not without controversy. Some purists argue that the very transient nature of street art and graffiti – its vulnerability to weather, other artists, and city cleanup efforts – is integral to its essence. They believe that to shield it with a varnish finish is to rob it of its raw, ephemeral quality. Yet, others counter-argue that artists have every right to ensure their work's endurance, especially when the artwork is meant to convey a persistent message or when it is commissioned. Furthermore, as street art has grown in acceptance and commercial value, the need to preserve these pieces for future generations becomes even more pronounced. Art collectors, galleries, and even some city councils now see the merit in protecting these urban masterpieces. The varnish finish offers a solution that bridges the divide between the fleeting nature of street expression and the desire for permanence in art. In tracing the varnish's journey from the artist's easel in a studio to the bustling lanes of urban sprawls, one discerns an interesting interplay of art and functionality. Varnish finish, in the realm of urban artistry, is more than just a protective layer. It's a testament to the evolution of street and pop art, a reflection of the changing dynamics of art appreciation, and a nod to the enduring spirit of artists who paint the town red, blue, green, and every shade in between.

© 2024 Sprayed Paint Art Collection,

    Login

    Forgot your password?

    Don't have an account yet?
    Create account