Javier Calleja

It wasn't me

€1,600

Artwork

Edition of 250

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Javier Calleja simplifies life’s complex threads with a single, mischievous character.

The wide-eyed figure, adorned with impish horns and a wicked smirk, starkly contradicts the text floating above them. ‘It wasn’t me’ hints at a grander tale, waiting to be told. Full of suggestive contrasts and rendered with bold use of fiery hues in soft pencil, Calleja’s artwork captures the interplay between innocence and mischief.

The print is a 15 colour engrave, using 4 photopolymer etching plates with a final colour applied by hand by the printmaker. The artisanal production process will begin as soon the draw for the edition is held, and will take 16-20 weeks.

"My intention is that the spectator creates their own story when they are looking at my work."

Dimensions

Unframed: 56cm x 43cm

Framed: 62cm x 49cm x 3cm

Paper size: 56 x 43 cm / Image size: 30.5 x 22.5 cm

Framing

Prints can be ordered float-mounted in one of three framing options.

Medium

15 colour engrave with a 5 photopolymer etching plates process on digitally printed background on 65gsm Shin Inbe paper. Mounted on 290gsm Fabriano Tiepolo paper, with a final colour applied by hand by the printmaker.

Authentication

Signed and numbered by the artist (bottom corners).

Certificate of Authenticity

Arrives with a certificate of authenticity.

Release date

April 30, 2024

Payment

Pay with bank card. If you wish to use an alternative payment method, get in touch.

Policies

Draw policy
Returns and refunds

This artwork is protected by a resale agreement, which all collectors will need to sign before placing an order. More details in our FAQs

Behind the scenes

01:59

Javier Calleja looking towards the camera

Javier Calleja10 collaborationsCalleja’s work is equally sarcastic as it is sensitive. His portraits depict stylised figures with exaggerated heads and big, melting eyes, reminiscent of Manga or Anime characters. Scrawled across their t-shirts, phrases like “FUCK YOU ALL” undercut their apparent cutesy innocence. Facial features with perfectly merged gradients are contrasted by flat, single-colour backgrounds and loose line-work that illustrates their bodies. The artist also translates his painted figures into fibreglass sculptures that, with their uncanny animated style and manufactured finish, evoke the works of contemporary artists such as KAWS and Yoshitomo Nara - or indeed a lonely Playmobil toy. This constant strand of irony underpins Calleja’s oeuvre, bringing a sharp edge to the alluring simplicity of his aesthetic.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

Love my new Snowfro piece and all the little extras that came with it! The tote bag in particular is immaculate 🤌
Review of Chromie Squiggle #8107
love the quality and care put into the work. love it and cant wait to hang it at home.
Review of Sierra
the Service was perfect and i love my print
Review of Sleepy
Having purchased many items from outside NZ, I can say with sincerity, that the communications, packaging and delivery have been exemplary! A copybook experience for an online, overseas art purchase. Thank you!
Review of Out of the Dark
Very pleased with the entire process.
Review of Actual Size
its simply wonderful. the quality is beautiful. thanks to all at AA.
Review of Untitled
excellent craftsmanship and delivery
Review of Trespassers Verdigris
the presentation when I received this was everything and perfect. First time purchasing from AA but very impressed with all the attention to detail from the glove placement to packaging.
Review of Guardian

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