Artwork Description
Vertigo San Francisco Silkscreen Print by Justin Van Genderen Hand-Pulled on Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Screenprint Artwork.
2014 Signed & Numbered on Back Limited Edition of 100 Artwork Size 18x24 Location, Location, Location Series Silkscreen Print of Woman San Francisco City Sprial from Movie Vertigo.
Vertigo San Francisco Silkscreen Print by Justin Van Genderen
Vertigo San Francisco Silkscreen Print by Justin Van Genderen is a 2014 hand-pulled screenprint that merges the atmospheric tension of Alfred Hitchcock’s film Vertigo with the stylized aesthetics of Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork. Measuring 18x24 inches and produced in a signed and numbered limited edition of 100, this piece captures the essence of cinematic suspense and the city’s haunting allure. The striking spiral design, the silhouette of a lone woman, and the unmistakable San Francisco skyline create a hypnotic visual experience that echoes the psychological themes of the legendary film.
A Cinematic and Graphic Masterpiece
This screenprint is a masterclass in composition, using simplicity and contrast to build an unsettling yet mesmerizing scene. The background consists of a bold, spiraling pattern that expands outward from the center, reminiscent of the famous Vertigo effect used in Hitchcock’s film. The spiral dominates the composition, drawing the viewer into its depths while evoking the sensation of movement and disorientation. The central figure, a silhouetted woman walking along a railing, is dwarfed by the overwhelming spiral, reinforcing the film’s themes of obsession, fate, and psychological unease. The warm tones of red and beige give the artwork a vintage yet modern feel, referencing the film’s original poster design while updating it with a minimalist approach. In the lower portion, recognizable elements of San Francisco’s skyline, including the Golden Gate Bridge, provide a subtle yet effective sense of place. This balance between abstraction and realism makes the piece visually engaging, drawing connections between the city, its cinematic history, and its reputation as a space of mystery and allure.
Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork Influence
Justin Van Genderen’s style is deeply rooted in the aesthetics of Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork, and this print exemplifies his ability to transform familiar imagery into bold, graphic statements. The use of high-contrast silhouettes, geometric abstraction, and a restrained color palette aligns with techniques seen in street murals, stencil work, and urban poster art. The spiral, while a direct reference to Vertigo, also carries associations with street art motifs—symbols of time, hypnosis, and perception. The halftone-like texture layered throughout the piece mimics the distressed surfaces found in urban art, reinforcing the tactile quality of screenprinting as a medium. The restrained use of typography in the lower portion, with its clean lines and structured layout, further enhances the balance between film poster aesthetics and contemporary urban art influences. The interplay of positive and negative space creates a striking visual rhythm, making this piece stand out as both a tribute to classic cinema and a fresh take on modern design.
San Francisco’s Role in Urban Art and Film
San Francisco has long been a city that inspires both filmmakers and street artists. Its dramatic landscapes, steep streets, and dense fog create an atmospheric setting that has been immortalized in countless films, including Vertigo. The city’s vibrant street art scene also thrives on these visual contrasts, with murals, wheatpaste posters, and large-scale installations embracing the city’s rich cultural and artistic history. This print encapsulates the dual nature of San Francisco as both a real place and a cinematic dreamscape, where reality and illusion constantly blur. As a limited-edition hand-pulled screenprint, this artwork is highly sought after by collectors of Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork as well as film enthusiasts. The combination of bold design, psychological depth, and homage to one of cinema’s most visually striking films makes this print a powerful statement piece. Whether displayed in a gallery or as part of a private collection, this piece captures the essence of both Vertigo and San Francisco itself—a city of beauty, mystery, and endless artistic inspiration.
