Artwork Description
Gotta Take 'Em All Blotter Paper Archival Print by Ben Frost Limited Edition Fine Art Archival Pigment Print Art on Perforated Blotter Paper.
2023 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 100 Archival Pigment Print on Perforated Blotter Paper Size: 7.5 x 7.5 Inches Release: April 19, 2023 Pac-Man Video Game Limited blotter editions are hand-perforated by Zane Kesey.
"Gotta Take 'Em All Blotter Paper" merges the iconic imagery of the classic arcade game Pac-Man with the distinctive style of contemporary artist Ben Frost. The work is an archival pigment print on perforated blotter paper, continuing Frost's signature approach of combining pop culture elements with commentary on pharmaceuticals and drugs. This limited edition piece, signed and numbered with a release of only 100 copies, is a fine example of modern pop art and its intersection with street and graffiti art aesthetics. Released on April 19, 2023, each print measures 7.5 by 7.5 inches, symbolizing the retro video game culture and its influence on modern society. The vibrant artwork features the universally recognized yellow character, here presented with a twist, as it appears to interact with the letters "MDMA," positioned prominently in the style of a game's high score display. This is a clear nod to the contrast and conversation that Frost aims to present within the themes of playfulness and the more adult-oriented world of recreational drug use. Each piece's blotter paper is hand-perforated by Zane Kesey, echoing the artisanal quality and tying back to a history of psychedelic art linked to his father, Ken Kesey. Through this collaboration, the art not only showcases Frost's visual acumen but also respects the deeper roots of blotter art within counter-culture. The meticulous craftsmanship underscores the exclusivity of the edition, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of both video game memorabilia and cutting-edge art. The "Gotta Take 'Em All Blotter Paper" acts as a cultural mirror, reflecting issues around the consumption and commercialization of nostalgia. Ben Frost's ability to layer themes—contrasting innocent childhood games with adult substance use—challenges the viewer to question the complexities of these intertwined worlds. In essence, this art piece captures the zeitgeist of a society grappling with the allure of digital entertainment and its contrasting realities.
