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Matthew Day Jackson

Metamorphosis

Estimate
$12,000 - 18,000
Lot Details
The complete seven part set of aquatints, etchings, screenprints and archival inkjets in colors with gold leaf and hand additions, on various papers, the full sheets and with full margins,
2007
overall 73 x 154 in (185.4 x 391.2 cm)
one signed, titled, dated `2007', all annotated `A-G' respectively and numbered 12/16 in pencil (there were also 4 artist's proofs), published by Lower East Side Printshop, New York (with their blindstamp), all in very good condition, all framed.
Catalogue Essay
Metamorphosis is an artwork that traverses several printmaking mediums, utilizes all kinds of materials, and assembles images from a diverse library of cultural references. The installation involves digital printing, collage, etching, screenprinting, gold leaf, hand-painting with Flavor-Aid, and is printed on wood, felt and found images.

Metamorphosis transitions from left to right in both its imagery and concepts, describing a capsule of moments relating to the American experience. Several themes run through the installation from our connection to the earth, mythology and historical figures and events of national relevance. Having grown up in the Reagan years, Jackson's work concerns his investigation into the American Dream. Visual references to the tragedy of Jim Jones and nuclear bombs are counter-balanced with "Lady Liberty" who ends the piece by representing a post-apocalyptic force of nature and a protector, with her roots spreading out and into the earth as if to stabilize and inspire rebirth. Metamorphosis implies that to abort and destroy is to renew and start afresh, as Shiva, destroyer of the world and purveyor of regeneration, carries out in the Hindu religion. Lower East Side Printshop website

Matthew Day Jackson

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