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 4056.7 (H) × 70.0 (W) cm

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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

Very well presented and with cert.
Review of Actual Size
It’s gorgeous. it was packed beautifully. i love it.
Review of The Cowgirl
Expertly packaged & printed. We be getting it properly framed to hang. Thank you!
Review of Actual Size
i have now purchased several pieces of art from you and every step, from email notifications to packaging and framed art itself is flawless!!!! Look forward to more!!
Review of Homage for Jasper Johns
I think the experience has been brilliant from start to finish
Review of HOPE (251-375)
i appreciate the speedy delivery and all interaction regarding my purchase was efficient and pleasant.
Review of Laying in the Grass (Hand-finished)
Great Packaging. Lovely print.
Review of Untitled
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

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