A painted woman with an upside down smile on a yellow/orange background, with two white jugs on the background behind her.

Face Oka

Water makes up most of the human body (yellow)

€800

Artwork

Edition of 40

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Face Oka parodies the classic pin-up with a tongue-in-cheek take on portraiture.

Oka's fondness for vibrant colour is realised in four fluorescent finishes, each drawing focus to the hourglass figure of a doll-like woman. She’s smiling, but only because her simply-drawn face is upside down – suggesting discomfort with her objectification. A pair of jugs contribute to an assembly of visual puns that gradually reveal themselves upon inspection.

A mocking tableau, Water makes up most of the human body embodies Oka's distinctive sense of humour and exploration of overt sexuality.

Join us on Avant Arte Collective on September 15th to be guided through the production process by printmaker Tom. Face Oka will join the event to answer your questions and discuss the edition.

Behind the scenes

Face Oka standing in front of a wall with his paintings

Face Oka4 collaborationsFace Oka translates the world around him into a distinct, comical style. He borrows figures from adverts and cartoons, giving each a solid black outline. Sometimes people are reduced to graphic shapes and colours, while others are painted more realistically. Regardless, everyone is given Oka’s signature smiley face, either the right or wrong way up. Although his work appears digital, he actually paints with acrylic on canvas. Citing manga as an early influence, his comic book style is reminiscent of Pop artists like Roy Lichtenstein, and later Keith Haring. Graffiti and skate culture have a clear impact on his paintings, like the work of skater-turned-artist Mark Gonzales. In 2018, Oka also released a book of paintings, Dear Larry Clark... , based on the photographers’ documentation of skate culture.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

strong work from all team members - i look forward to the next purchase!
Review of Untitled [Man in Car with Shed]
Notifications and packaging were spot on. I will definitely make future purchases.
Review of Iris
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
packaging was best I’ve ever had when ordering a print. love the gloves!!
Review of Interior: Red Couch and Landscape
So happy to have the print.
Review of Actual Size
this is one of the finest prints I have ever seen. the quality is unmatched. a superb addition to my collection. thank you.
Review of York So Good They Named It Once
packaging was great and the framing is beautiful! thanks
Review of SIGNAL
Great job! love the artwork.really impressed with your packing and what is included. It shows you care about what you do and leaves a great impression. thank you
Review of Maya & Interior

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