Javier Calleja

It wasn't me

€1,600

Artwork

Edition of 250

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Javier Calleja simplifies life’s complex threads with a single, mischievous character.

The wide-eyed figure, adorned with impish horns and a wicked smirk, starkly contradicts the text floating above them. ‘It wasn’t me’ hints at a grander tale, waiting to be told. Full of suggestive contrasts and rendered with bold use of fiery hues in soft pencil, Calleja’s artwork captures the interplay between innocence and mischief.

The print is a 15 colour engrave, using 4 photopolymer etching plates with a final colour applied by hand by the printmaker. The artisanal production process will begin as soon the draw for the edition is held, and will take 16-20 weeks.

"My intention is that the spectator creates their own story when they are looking at my work."

Behind the scenes

01:59

Javier Calleja looking towards the camera

Javier Calleja10 collaborationsCalleja’s work is equally sarcastic as it is sensitive. His portraits depict stylised figures with exaggerated heads and big, melting eyes, reminiscent of Manga or Anime characters. Scrawled across their t-shirts, phrases like “FUCK YOU ALL” undercut their apparent cutesy innocence. Facial features with perfectly merged gradients are contrasted by flat, single-colour backgrounds and loose line-work that illustrates their bodies. The artist also translates his painted figures into fibreglass sculptures that, with their uncanny animated style and manufactured finish, evoke the works of contemporary artists such as KAWS and Yoshitomo Nara - or indeed a lonely Playmobil toy. This constant strand of irony underpins Calleja’s oeuvre, bringing a sharp edge to the alluring simplicity of his aesthetic.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

beautiful print. top notch
Review of Digital Chemicals
The work is exceptional and looks fantastic. Thanks for doing a beautiful job executing and shipping it, very much appreciated.
Review of Actual Size
First of all, the prints was everything we expected. What was a pleasant surprise was the impeccably packaged shipment of the work which went above and beyond anything we would have expected. Great communication and service.
Review of Fuzz Gathering
Absolutely gorgeous! I have admired Danielle McKinney's work and Shelter is exceptionally beautiful. The colors, the texture - I was delighted when I opened the box. The frame and floating presentation is also perfectly matched to the beauty of the piece. Also, well done on the shipping - it came thoroughly protected. Thank you!
Review of Shelter
Incredibly happy and impressed with the quality of what we received. Will definitely consider buying from Avante Arte again.
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
beautiful! thank you
Review of Sierra
I'm thrilled with the two pieces I've bought from you all. I look forward to collecting more in the future.
Review of Guardian
this piece is legendary. So so happy with this purchase. Finally, my own Decendent sculpture!
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer

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