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

simple perfection. just keep it up!
Review of Portrait of Francis Bacon
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
This piece is lovely and out for framing. I actually want to buy another.
Review of Inner Love
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
Everything was great. Thanks!
Review of Out of the Dark
Thanks for a fantastic service. First time user.
Review of Guardian
love my piece and thank you for the communication and guidance regarding shipping documents
Review of Sandman
I am extremely pleased with both the packaging and delivery of the piece. Your attention to detail in handling and packaging surpasses that of many galleries. Your commitment to respecting the artwork is truly commendable. Excellent job!
Review of Untitled

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