Devan Shimoyama

Le Mat

€1,750

Edition of 2540.5 (H) × 28.0 (W) cmShipping est. 2 weeks

Rhinestones, glitter and gold recreate the dazzling illusion of drag in a self-portrait by Devan Shimoyama.

In his Tarot series, Devan reimagines himself as androgynous deities inspired by the popular Rider-Waite tarot deck. Although Le Mat translates to The Fool, the card itself represents the innocence of someone about to embark on a journey. Holding tight to the heel of the backpacked adventurer is a cat-demon, borrowed from the Manga series Inuyasha.

Devan’s practice explores the relationship between outward appearances (like clothes, make-up and hair) and identity (like race, gender and sexuality). He is heavily influenced by drag, adorning his mixed-media paintings like drag performers adorn their bodies. Devan has hand-finished each glittering print from the edition with rhinestones.

Framing

Prints can be ordered in a custom shaped passe-partout frame to compliment the curved edges of the print, in one of two materials – American knotwood or gold-painted poplar.

Medium

UV flatbed print on 410gsm Somerset Radiant White paper with Zünd cut edges, overlaid with 4 metallic silkscreen glitter inks and embossed with gold foil. Each print is hand-finished by the artist with rhinestones.

Certificate of Authenticity

Arrives with a certificate of authenticity.

Finishing

Signed, numbered and dated on the reverse.

Release date

November 06, 2023

Payment

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

Policies

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

artist Devan Shimoyama wearing a denim jacket over a white tank while he sits on the floor in front of flowers

Devan Shimoyama1 collaborationHow do we remember those we have lost? This question is at the centre of Devan Shimoyama’s exploration of Blackness, queerness and mythology. He says, “instead of depicting a black body in pain or torment, I’d much rather celebrate those individuals as something more positive and whole”. He commemorates Black celebrities through his self-portrait paintings in drag, like Left Eye and Aaliyah (2022). His series of hoodies and swings adorned with flowers immortalise Trayvon Martin and Tamir Rice, Black children lost to police brutality.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

Absolutely gorgeous! I have admired Danielle McKinney's work and Shelter is exceptionally beautiful. The colors, the texture - I was delighted when I opened the box. The frame and floating presentation is also perfectly matched to the beauty of the piece. Also, well done on the shipping - it came thoroughly protected. Thank you!
Review of Shelter
first class experience from start to finish. really impressed with the work and with the Avant Arte process. 💯
Review of Guardian
Wonderful experience, can't wait for another purchase for my collection!
Review of Unveiling series #1, 1993
Great experience. I appreciate the great care with which the piece was packaged and shipped as well.
Review of Actual Size
Very impressed with the quality - exceeded expectation. Thanks
Review of Actual Size
Not only the artwork, but also the unboxing was was a highlight itself - thank you for your perfect service!
Review of Guardian
Great service overall, makes an easy process for buying and shipping art which is typically difficult and expensive.
Review of Guardian
its a wonderful piece ! very happy
Review of Guardian

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