"The Founders is layered with the names of the people I met during my early years as an artist, as a mark of respect for the diverse community and friendships that shaped me," José Parlá stated this about his newest print release that is now available via AvantArte.com. As their first timed release, the edition will be available to purchase for 24 hours from 9:00 AM BST on Friday 1st October.
The work was originally created for a 2020 solo show It’s Yours at The Bronx Museum of the Arts, but its release as a limited edition was slowed down and modified in the months that followed. Shortly after the opening Parlá found himself unable to paint while battling and recovering from a severe case of Covid-19. His condition escalated with a long period of an induced coma, and this work to some extent marks his own rebirth of sorts, gaining a profound and renewed significance.
"I decided to write this text to document that history, decipher it a bit more for you, and to share my personal artistic beginnings through this unique painting, entitled The Founders. The ensuing edition with Avant Arte pays homage to this contemporary art form and subcultural visual language, and allows many who have also experienced the battle with and adverse effects of COVID-19 to connect with my story," José Parlá wrote in a must-read statement that can be read here.
Following the launch period, prints will be made to order and dispatched before the end of the month. A label, signed, dated and numbered by the artist , will be affixed to the reverse of each print, and accompanied by a COA specifying the final edition size. Complimentary worldwide shipping will be offered on all orders. —Sasha Bogojev
