Shakespeare v. Lil Wayne
This work will be exhibited at Miami Pulse (Dec 19): enquiries to jahnai@artellite.co.uk. A contemporary portrait of William Shakespeare photobombed by rapper Lil Wayne. The inscription principum amicitas! according to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is believed to translate as 'beware the alliances of princes!'. The antique gilt frames used in this series are all valuable, and will increase in value. The frames have been carefully sourced from stately home sales across the UK. The frames each have a unique history of their own, evidenced through the individual marks on the frames which are part of the piece itself and part of their own history. Unlike the majority of contemporary artworks, the frames were acquired before the artworks were created, so that each painting has been created specifically to fit each individual antique frame. Rather than hiding the past, the frames have deliberately been left with the marks made over time – these frames are up to 200 years old and have lived through incredible histories, the scars of their pa6st are visible as they should be. As stated by Historic England, ‘the unnecessary replacement of historic fabric, no matter how carefully the work is carried out, can in most situations have an adverse effect on character and significance’. Each frame has been identified by age, style and where possible, provenance.
Oil paint and collage on board
65cm x 55.5cm
