Gauntlet Gallery — Sandra Chevrier Print Index
La Cage et L’Encre Noire (Black Ink)
Summary
"La Cage et l'encre noire (black ink)" is a 2024 giclée printed on Cloud Dragon rice paper, sized approximately 28 x 28 inches in an edition of 165. The unusual substrate distinguishes it from Chevrier's standard cotton-paper giclées.
Why It Matters
Printing on Cloud Dragon rice paper is a notable material choice, giving the "black ink" theme a textural, calligraphic quality that echoes East Asian ink traditions. The square 28 x 28 inch format is also distinctive within a series more often issued in portrait or landscape orientation, marking this as a formally experimental entry.
Collector Perspective
The rice-paper substrate and square format give this piece a different display character than the bulk of Chevrier's catalogue, appealing to collectors who value material variety within a series. An edition of 165 is moderate; the specialty paper is the primary point of differentiation and a talking point for the informed buyer.
Historical Context
Chevrier occasionally departs from her usual archival cotton papers to pursue specific tonal or textural effects, and the ink theme here invites that. The rice-paper choice situates the work within her willingness to let the Cages imagery interact with unconventional supports, broadening the series beyond a fixed production formula.
FAQ
What makes the paper unusual?
It is printed on Cloud Dragon rice paper rather than Chevrier's typical cotton fine-art stock, giving it a distinctive texture.
What is the format?
It is a square print, approximately 28 x 28 inches.
What does the title reference?
"L'encre noire" means "black ink," tying the imagery to an ink-and-calligraphy sensibility.
How many were produced?
The edition is 165.
About the Artist
Sandra Chevrier is a Canadian contemporary artist based in Montreal, best known for her ongoing series La Cage, in which she paints delicate female portraits partially overlaid with comic-book imagery. The superhero panels function as a metaphorical "cage," exploring the pressures, expectations, and idealized roles imposed on women. Her mixed-media works combine painting, drawing, and vintage comic collage, and she has exhibited internationally and collaborated on projects including a notable series with Hendrik Beikirch. Chevrier's editioned prints translate her intimate, layered originals to a wider collector audience.
Collecting Sandra Chevrier at Gauntlet Gallery
How do I start collecting Sandra Chevrier?
Signed, numbered giclee and screenprint editions from her La Cage series are the primary entry point, with hand-embellished editions and unique paintings at the higher end. Look for strong facial detail and clean comic-collage layering. Gauntlet Gallery prioritizes well-preserved impressions with complete signing.
How is authenticity documented?
Chevrier works are sold with documented studio provenance and the artist's signature and numbering. We photograph the exact piece you receive, including the signature and edition details, so authenticity can be verified before purchase.
What drives Sandra Chevrier's value?
Medium (originals and hand-embellished editions over open prints), edition size, iconic imagery from La Cage, condition, and documented provenance are the key value drivers. Unique and low-numbered embellished works carry the strongest premiums.