Nigel Howlett

The Face Before You Were Born (Signed Collector's Edition)

€250

Artwork

Edition of 12526.7 (H) × 20.7 (W) × 1.9 (D) cmFree worldwide shippingShipping est. 2 weeks

The surreal and uncanny surface in Nigel Howlett’s monochromatic visions of human complexity.

The Face Before You Were Born takes its title from Howlett’s debut solo show at Ojiri Gallery in London. The book acts as an archive for the seamlessly rendered, faceless figures seen in the show and the captivating processes that underpin them. Unseen sketches, mini-essays and high quality artwork images are brought together across 110 pages in 3 carefully chosen paper stocks.

A special collector’s edition has been created with black foiling on the exterior and black-edged interior pages – each copy individually signed by the artist.

Foreword and essays by Millie Walton, photography by James Bryant and design by Punkt, London.

Medium

Hardback art book with black foiling and black-edged interior page edges. Printed on 170gsm Heaven 42, 80gsm Offenbach Bible and 150gsm Symbol Tatami White papers by Generation Press, London. Arrives wrapped in Bible paper in a bespoke box, with details from the artist's palette printed across the interior.

Certificate of Authenticity

Arrives with a certificate of authenticity.

Finishing

Individually signed by the artist inside.

Release date

March 31, 2022

Payment

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Behind the scenes

Nigel Howlett wearing a hat and glasses looking to the side

Nigel Howlett3 collaborationsNigel Howlett’s paintings and drawings are funny-yet-tender reflections on life. The cartoonish protagonist is an androgynous figure in a near-constant state of melodrama. It sits with its head in hands. Sometimes slumped, sometimes praying. Cartoons, Surrealism and Adam Curtis documentaries are few key inspirations. Taking prompt from these, Howlett’s work is intentionally universal. “We always project onto forms and characters we look at. The more simple they are, the easier it is for us to do.” Recent works see the artist move from paper to canvas. Likewise, charcoal and graphite have been replaced with oil paint. Umber now also brings a subdued warmth to his monochromatic palette. Process, however, remains unchanged. Howlett plans, edits and refines until each work is as concise and clear as possible.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

love the packaging of the print. superb.
Review of Super Glow
The unboxing was wonderful! Great work! This was a total experience!
Review of Inner Love
Great shopping experience from start to finish. Absolutely first class!
Review of Ugly Bastard
So happy to have the print.
Review of Actual Size
what an amazing experience from top to bottom. The best communication, print quality and packing. This is my first time purchasing from you and I look forward to my next purchase.
Review of Prismatic Head Composition
Top tier experience all around. The print quality is amazing, the packaging was superb, and the process was seamless. I am a huge fan of Avant Arte and I hope to continue collecting from you.
Review of Warothy
The print is beautifully made, and I love it.
Review of Portrait of Maya #10
beautiful print. top notch
Review of Digital Chemicals

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