drawing of various children's heads isolated in space with text and dots of colour

Javier Calleja

First Look (Hand-finished)

€9,000

Edition of 7080.0 (H) × 60.0 (W) cmHand-finished

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Spanish artist Javier Calleja’s candid, glassy-eyed portraits have seen him amass a dedicated following of fans and collectors around the world.

First Look is one of three editions launching in June 2021, each one an entirely new composition incorporating the artist’s distinctive character stylings and irreverent slogans.

Medium

Printed on 300gr off-white Arches Velin paper, combining a traditional soft ground etching using a copper plate with unique hand-finished elements in pencil and watercolour.

Certificate of Authenticity

Arrives with a certificate of authenticity.

Finishing

Each piece is signed, dated and numbered by the artist.

Release date

June 09, 2021

Payment

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

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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

Javier Calleja looking towards the camera

Javier Calleja10 collaborationsCalleja’s work is equally sarcastic as it is sensitive. His portraits depict stylised figures with exaggerated heads and big, melting eyes, reminiscent of Manga or Anime characters. Scrawled across their t-shirts, phrases like “FUCK YOU ALL” undercut their apparent cutesy innocence. Facial features with perfectly merged gradients are contrasted by flat, single-colour backgrounds and loose line-work that illustrates their bodies. The artist also translates his painted figures into fibreglass sculptures that, with their uncanny animated style and manufactured finish, evoke the works of contemporary artists such as KAWS and Yoshitomo Nara - or indeed a lonely Playmobil toy. This constant strand of irony underpins Calleja’s oeuvre, bringing a sharp edge to the alluring simplicity of his aesthetic.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

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Review of Actual Size
packaging was great and the framing is beautiful! thanks
Review of SIGNAL
Overall, a very satisfying and educational experience! I greatly appreciate the various updates during the production and shipping processes. Thank you very much.
Review of Actual Size
Incredible piece, well packaged, everything was A+++.
Review of Snow Lotus No. 1
Amazing job on the framing and shipping.
Review of Untitled
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Review of Guardian

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