Artwork Description
Bloodscape Original Blood Mixed Media Painting by Richard Hambleton One of, a Kind Artwork on Fine Art Paper by Street Art Pop Artist.
1995 Signed Human Blood Painting Original Artwork Size 16x12 Framed 23.5x19.5 In good condition, as shown, with a soft handling crease at the top left.
The Provocative Essence of Richard Hambleton's Artistry
Richard Hambleton, a Canadian artist who passed away in 2017, stands as an enigmatic figure in street pop art. His 'Bloodscape' painting, an original blood-mixed media work, exemplifies the visceral impact and raw intimacy that his art is known for. Completed in 1995, the artwork showcases Hambleton's unconventional use of human blood, adding a layer of personal and literal life force to the canvas. This piece, measuring 16x12 inches and framed at 23.5x19.5 inches, embodies a bold statement in the crossover space where fine art meets street art, as it did for Hambleton throughout his groundbreaking career.
Richard Hambleton: A Pioneer of Street Pop Art
Hambleton's contributions to street pop art were as much about the medium as the message. His decision to use blood as a medium was not merely for shock value; it connected the human condition with the urban landscape in a profoundly intimate manner. The 'Bloodscape' carries within it not only the physical essence of the artist but also the emotional and psychological resonance of his life experiences. With this work, Hambleton continued his exploration of mortality and vulnerability, themes prevalent in his street art, notably his renowned 'Shadowman' series that haunted the streets of New York in the 1980s. The condition of 'Bloodscape,' noted as being in good shape aside from a soft handling crease at the top left, reflects the inherent imperfections that come with the territory of street art. In this world, the pristine is less valued than the expressive. It is a silent testament to the passing of time and the enduring nature of Hambleton's vision. The piece's provenance traces back to the collection of Robert Murphy, ensuring its lineage within the sphere of esteemed contemporary art.
Authenticity and Legacy in Hambleton's Work
The piece's authenticity is validated by a handwritten Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from Robert Murphy and an additional COA from Dirtypilot. This gesture underscores the significance of provenance in art, particularly for works as unconventional as 'Bloodscape.' The art world's acknowledgment of such unorthodox methods and media reflects an evolved understanding of what constitutes art materials and the evolving parameters of pop and street art. As with much of Hambleton's oeuvre, 'Bloodscape' does not simply exist for aesthetic appreciation; it is a dialogic tool, an invitation to contemplate the ephemeral nature of life and the permanence of art. The use of blood, a fluid synonymous with life, as a medium in this mixed-media painting asks the viewer to consider the artist's vitality embedded in the work. Each brushstroke and splatter is a genetic signature, a part of Hambleton himself, frozen in time. This painting, a singular work within the ambit of street pop art and graffiti artwork, continues to evoke dialogue, challenge perceptions, and elicit strong emotional responses, fulfilling the potential of art to stir the human spirit. The legacy of Richard Hambleton and works like 'Bloodscape' lie in their fearless embrace of uncharted territories of artistic expression and the undiminished power to provoke thought long after the artist's life has ended.
