Woodcutter thrusting forward on a skateboard

James Jean & Haroshi

Trespassers

€600

Edition of 200

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James Jean’s Woodcutter meets Haroshi’s GUZO in a first-of-its-kind collaborative print.

Once strangers on opposite sides of the world, a kinship between the two artists ensued after noticing similar motifs in their work online. Both were riffing on traditional Japanese woodwork, and ideas for a collaborative edition soon followed.

Axe thrown over his shoulder, a defiant Woodcutter emerges from the forest with a freshly-felled GUZO under his arm. Faces look out from the wheels of his rippling skateboard, inspired by the tree-dwelling Kami spirits said to assist hunter-gatherers in Japanese folklore. The distinctive patterning of GUZO's body is derived from recycled skateboards – stacked, glued and carved by Haroshi to create his sculptures – and calls to themes of community and counter-culture.

"It’s uncertain whether he stole or rescued a much coveted Guzo, but what is clear is that he is a trespasser, and he has an expression of defiance as he pushes his way through a passage less travelled."

Each print is produced by Lamina, founded by James Jean and Brad Keech. The embossed prints are delicately finished with metallic foil, placing an emblem for each artist above his signature.

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00:53

Behind the scenes

artist in his studio wearing black hoodie

James Jean20 collaborationsTaiwanese-American artist James Jean makes contemporary pop art that has captured the imagination of the art world and popular culture. His colossal internet following is a testament to his instantly recognisable style, which mixes a comic and manga sensibility with the detailed prowess of Renaissance painting and traditional Japanese wood carving. In his early career in the 2000s, James worked as a cover artist for the historic publisher DC Comics. During his time there, he became renowned in the industry and won numerous awards. Decades later, James is an internationally acclaimed artist famous for his painting, drawing, and digital artworks, as well as his sculptures and installations.

Haroshi looking at the camera wearing a cap

Haroshi4 collaborationsHaroshi is a self-taught sculptor whose subculture-inspired practice effortlessly straddles spheres of pop and fine art. His signature wooden sculptures are made from recycled skateboards, taking form in toy-like figurines which blend together features of human and animal. Colourful concentric patterns are the byproduct of his one-of-a-kind technique where stacks of skateboards are glued together before being cut, carved, painted and polished by hand. While the finished sculptures evoke Japanese wood-carving traditions, such as Inami, they also nod to contemporary pop artists like KAWS and Jeff Koons. Haroshi also layers skateboards onto flat surfaces, as seen in works like Mosh Pit (2019) which, with its cacophony of texture and colour, acts as a subverted Abstract Expressionist painting. With brand collaborations including Nike and Apple, as well as a host of high-profile fans - skate icon Tony Hawk and Nike CEO Mark Parker amongst them - Haroshi is an artist whose work has intentionally mixed what was traditionally considered ‘high and ‘low’ art.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

This is my 4th purchase from you and I remain thoroughly impressed with all that you do. Thanks!
Review of Fuzz Gathering
I was lucky enough to have been invited to see the creation of this piece of work back in June and met the fantastic Miwa so seeing this print now is just fantastic. The colours are every bit as vibrant as the original.
Review of Sacred Connectedness
Great piece, arrived in excellent condition, thanks!
Review of Ringers #962: The LACMA Iterations
very good service. easy, straightforward. exactly as advertised. thank you!
Review of Actual Size
Since it was from overseas, I was worried about whether the product would arrive without damage, but it was carefully packaged and arrived without any damage. Thank you very much. And I am satisfied with the work.
Review of Sacred Connectedness
this piece is legendary. So so happy with this purchase. Finally, my own Decendent sculpture!
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
great service!!
Review of Actual Size
much better than rxpected. the print is high quality and the packaging professional
Review of La Nascita

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