Artwork Description
Funny Farm Archival Pigment Fine Art Limited Edition Print on 310gsm Fine Art Paper by Artist Above- Tavar Zawacki, Street Pop Art Graffiti Legend.
2016 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 100 Archival Pigment Print on 310gsm Fine Art Paper Artwork Size: 16x16 Inches Release: January 23, 2016.
"I painted this arrow with rollers, latex paint, and spray paint onto an old barn. The barn was 30 feet wide x 30 feet tall at the pinnacle. The Funny Farm piece started with the help of my friend Denial, who invited me to participate in the Free 4 All Walls project in Canada last month. Denial had organized a massive barn for me to paint for the project. This was the largest arrow I've ever painted and the most coffee I drank over four days. Tim Horton's coffee should be illegal." - Above
Embracing Rural Canvas: ABOVE's 'Funny Farm' Archival Pigment Fine Art Print
Tavar Zawacki, the street pop art graffiti legend known as ABOVE, extended his artistic expression to rural landscapes with the 'Funny Farm' creation, culminating in a limited edition print that captures the essence of his most significant arrow piece. This limited edition archival pigment print on 310gsm fine art paper embodies ABOVE's innovative approach to street pop art, showcasing his distinct style on an unconventional canvas—an old barn. Released on January 23, 2016, the artist meticulously signed and numbered each edition piece, reflecting the authenticity and exclusivity that collectors and admirers of street art deeply value. The 'Funny Farm' artwork began as a monumental undertaking, with ABOVE utilizing rollers, latex paint, and spray paint to transform a 30x30 foot barn façade into an arresting visual statement. His choice of a rustic structure as the substrate for his iconic arrow illustrates his versatility as an artist and brings to light the dialog between urban street art and rural settings. This piece, part of the Free 4 All Walls project in Canada, is a testament to ABOVE's desire to push the boundaries of graffiti art beyond the city walls, engaging with a broader audience and environment.
Technique and Inspiration Behind ABOVE's 'Funny Farm'
The production of 'Funny Farm' was a labor-intensive process, demanding significant physical exertion and creative energy from ABOVE. Over four days, fortified by copious amounts of coffee, he poured his expertise into crafting an artwork as expansive in scale as it was in impact. His commentary on the addictive nature of Tim Horton's coffee injects a personal and humorous anecdote into the piece's narrative, connecting with his audience more intimately. This anecdote highlights the often-overlooked aspects of an artist's process—the external influences and the environment that can shape the creation of an artwork. ABOVE's meticulous technique and vibrant use of color in 'Funny Farm' reflect the hallmarks of his style, which is recognized worldwide. The barn, with its expansive sides, provided a grand canvas for ABOVE to articulate his vision, allowing the arrow to dominate the landscape, pointing skyward. The piece captured the attention of those who encountered it in person and managed to resonate through the limited edition prints that followed. The print serves as a visual narrative of ABOVE's journey, encapsulating the energy and spirit of the original mural.
Cultural Significance of 'Funny Farm' in the Artistic Landscape
The cultural significance of 'Funny Farm' within the artistic landscape is multifaceted. ABOVE's decision to create a print version of this rural mural allows for a wider dissemination of his work, bridging the gap between street art's fleeting nature and fine art's permanence. The limited-edition nature of the prints ensures that the essence of 'Funny Farm' is preserved and celebrated within the confines of private collections, galleries, and beyond. Furthermore, the artwork exemplifies ABOVE's commitment to street pop art and graffiti as accessible art that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. By choosing a barn in a rural setting, ABOVE challenges the often-urban-centric focus of street art, proposing a universal language of creativity that can dialogue with any environment. 'Funny Farm' as a print is a continuation of that conversation, inviting a global audience to partake in the original mural's experience and reflect on the ubiquity of art in all facets of life. 'Funny Farm' is a vibrant representation of ABOVE's artistic prowess and innovative approach to street pop art and graffiti artwork. The print immortalizes a moment in ABOVE's career where his art scaled new heights, literally and metaphorically, and reminds us of the transformative power of art in any setting.
