Paper
Following the principle of creative destruction employed throughout most of his practice, Vhils subverts classic printing techniques by extracting images from ink-covered paper after applying corrosive substances such as acid and bleach. This process allows him to reveal an image from a saturated surface in the same way that he reveals an image out of a concrete wall by carving through to its concealed layers. Both unique pieces and multiples are finished by hand in a process that shows the distinctive touch of the artist and his visual interpretation of his subject matter.
Taking mechanical printing processes such as screen printing, lithography, monotyping, or Risograph printing, and adding uncontrollable elements like spray paint, varnish, UV sensitive ink, acid, or bleach adds an organic, humanised touch to the procedure. While this element of chaos seeks to echo the disarray characteristic of our present urban spaces, it also renders each work completely unique, even multiple editions.
