French artists Lek and Sowat (Da MentalVaporz) and Sold Art Gallery recently collaborated in the creation of “Paper Trail”, a unique 2 colours hand embellished lithographic print. The creation process is a complex one and is here explained by the gallery:
‘One week before the artists arrived, Marc, master of lithography prepared both stones of 200 kilos each by granulating them. The first day, Lek painted abstract forms on the stone with a roller of paint, art he has developed for several years on the walls of abandoned places. Before the impression, Lek defined different zones with the tracing paper, then Sowat stepped in so that their two styles mixed perfectly. Marc then prepared the stone with various acids, then it was delicately placed on the 1885 lithographic press to print copies in red. The second day, Sowat put back the different zones on the stone. He began by experimenting the thick ink with some water. Secondly, he used the calame to complete the zones with calligraphy. Once the stone dried and prepared, Marc and his 2 assistants printed Sowat’s work in black. The last day was the one of the enhancement of the artists’ work in order that each copy would be unique. Alternately they added forms to the acrylic, in red, black and silver. The day ended by the signature and the numbering of the lithographs and certificates of authenticity.’
The video and images below show the amazing and complex work behind this new release. The experiment is the heart of the work, nothing was planned or defined in advance and the mistakes done down the road become interesting contributions to the final work.
Lek & Sowat – ‘Paper Trail’
2 colours hand embellished lithographic print on Velin BFK Rives 300g/m² cotton paper with heckled edges, measures 120 x 80 cm and comes in an edition of 30 + 5 artist’s proof. Signed and numbered by the artists.
All prints come with a certificate authenticity.
Available at Sold Art for € 490.
International delivery. Fees according to number and insurance.
Interview de Lek et Sowat from Sold Art – Urban Art Gallery
Author: Fran
Founder and editor of Urbanite. Street Art lover who after the finishing her MA thesis on the Mexican and Norwegian muralist movement in the 1920-50s, developed a fascination for street art and graffiti that eventually led to collaborations with different art blogs, including the creation of this one.
You might also like
