Artwork Description
POW! Limited Edition ICON Series 4-Color Hand-Pulled Silkscreen Print on Fine Art Paper by DKNG Graffiti Street Artist Modern Pop Art.
2014 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition Silkscreen Artwork Size 12x12.The Batmobile from the Classic Adam West Batman TV Show.
"Every film has one. A signature prop, set, or location. Something that, in a single image, can represent the entire movie. The design team of Dan Kuhlken and Nathan Goldman, also known as DKNG, call these images “Icons,” and they are the subject of their first-ever solo show at Gallery 1988 West in Los Angeles. The show comprises pieces featuring iconic places and things from your favorite movies and TV shows. Each piece is small – 12 inches square – and is of one thing that sums up an entire movie. And, of course, each is done in DKNG’s distinctive bright, geometric yet detailed style.” -.DKNG
DKNG's "POW!": A Nostalgic Ode in Silkscreen
DKNG's "POW!" is a cultural emblem, a graphic encapsulation of a pop culture phenomenon rendered through the lens of modern pop art. This piece, part of the ICON series, celebrates the Batmobile from the classic Adam West "Batman" TV show. Limited to a 2014 signed and numbered edition, the 12x12 silkscreen print embodies the fusion of street art vibrancy with the meticulous craft of screen printing.
Iconography and Pop Culture in Silkscreen
In "POW!", DKNG studios — comprised of artists Dan Kuhlken and Nathan Goldman — employ a 4-color hand-pulled silkscreen process to immortalize the Batmobile. This piece isn't just an image of a car; it represents an era, an iconic slice of television history distilled into a single, stylized image. With their characteristic geometric precision and a palette that captures the vitality of the '60s, DKNG delivers an artwork that is both a tribute and a visual reinvention. The Batmobile is more than just a vehicle; it's a character in its own right, a symbol of justice, adventure, and the tongue-in-cheek campiness that characterized the original "Batman" series. Set against a sunset backdrop with palm trees that suggest the silhouette of Gotham (or, in a real-world sense, the streets of Los Angeles), the image portrays the Batmobile speeding off into another night of crime fighting. DKNG's ability to condense a complex narrative into a single frame is a testament to its design prowess and understanding of pop culture's visual language.
Artistic Synthesis in "POW!"
The artistry in "POW!" speaks volumes about DKNG's role in the pop art movement and its influence on street art aesthetics. The bold lines and dynamic composition are reminiscent of comic books, while the sophistication of the print reflects a deep appreciation for the art of silkscreen printing. The very nature of screen printing — layering colors, meticulously crafting each element — aligns with the laborious stencil work of street art, demanding precision and vision. Each piece in the ICON series, "POW!" included, acts as a standalone narrative, capturing the essence of its subject in a minimalistic yet detailed fashion. This approach is reminiscent of the philosophical underpinnings of street pop art and graffiti, where the artwork aims to connect quickly and powerfully with the viewer. DKNG manages to evoke the visual excitement of the "Batman" series and the emotional connections many fans have to the original show.
DKNG's Legacy in Contemporary Art
DKNG’s work, including "POW!", is a contemporary homage to the moments that define pop culture. Through screen printing, the studio has carved a niche in the art world, blending commercial design with fine art and influencing the trajectory of pop art and street art. Their ICON series, and indeed their entire portfolio, demonstrates how classic techniques can be revitalized for the modern age, breathing new life into the imagery of our collective memory. "POW!" is a representation of DKNG's skill and a piece of nostalgia, appealing to those who are fond of the past while striking a chord with a new generation of design enthusiasts. The silkscreen print is a reminder of the enduring power of iconic imagery and the role of artists in shaping, preserving, and reinterpreting the visual language of pop culture. In essence, DKNG's "POW!" and the ICON series embody the spirit of street pop art and graffiti artwork, capturing the attention and imagination of viewers. Through their work, DKNG proves that art can transcend time, place, and medium to forge an indelible mark on both the past and present. The Batmobile, as presented by DKNG, races not just on the streets of Gotham but through the annals of pop art history, powered by the creativity and insight of two visionary artists.
