Breaking the boundaries between classical modernism, pop and street art Speedy Graphito mixes and remixes the various visual imagery. Especially in this series entitled Silhouettes he challenges the collective memory of the audience. The series pays tribute to the iconic Silhouettes of comic and cartoon industry. The main actors in Speedy Graphito’s mini series are Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Felix the Cat. The iconic key figures of this series were all created in the late 1920s and are the forefathers of the cartoons.
„ Even if an iconic silhouette is emptied of its narrative, it still remains identifiable.“
SPEEDY GRAPHITO, 2019.
The unique element in Speedy Graphito’s artwork is the harmonious combination of symbols, pictograms and other icons from different periods. That’s why he mixes comics from the 1920s with Andy Wahrhol’s Dollar Sign (1981) or Keith Haring’s Barking Dog (ca. 1980). Furthermore he incorporated the Guy Fawkes mask, better known as “Vendetta mask“ which originates, in the very early 17th century, and is seen as symbol of various protests. Another recurring motif in Speedy Graphito’s backgrounds is a reinterpretation of David Nightingale Hicks Art Deco Hexagon, also iconically represented in Stanley Kubrick’s Shining (1980). There are a lot more Silhouettes to discover!
Globalization implements the concept of synthesizing cultures of the world in order to create a unique representation, which is understood by everyone. In the eyes of Speedy Graphito art has always been a reflection of the respective epoch, thus art has always been an expression of the inherent philosophy of each era. According to the artist we now live in the age of sampling, recycling and even remixing, which is conveyed by his paintings. Finally the paintings demonstrate how certain imagery and symbols are universally recognizable and how humans communicate their experiences through universal shapes and signs.
Tania Di Brita
Artworks
Rautistrasse 11
8047 Zurich
Switzerland
Only on appointment
T +41 79 301 11 37