Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Vhils Print Index
Carving Cities
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Carving Cities is documented in this catalog as a 2011 Laser Etching. The saved release record lists dimensions of 24 x 19.5 inches. The saved record attributes the release to Post No Bills. The cataloged edition information is 40.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Edition of 40. Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
Where most editions reproduce Vhils' carved imagery, Carving Cities uses an actual subtractive process — etching cut into the material — to make the medium itself perform his signature act. The title states his practice plainly: excavating portraits and forms from the fabric of the city.
Collector Perspective
The etched, incised surface gives Carving Cities a physical, relief-like quality distinct from his ink-based prints. An edition of 40 keeps it relatively scarce, and the process-driven nature of the work appeals to collectors drawn to the sculptural, carved dimension of Vhils' output.
Historical Context
Created in 2011, Carving Cities reflects Vhils' interest in using tools that physically remove material, consistent with the drilling and carving of his wall work. It stands among his early editions exploring media beyond conventional screen printing and lithography.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned print or object
- Release date
- 2011
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Laser Etching; catalog dimensions 24 x 19.5 inches; Woodcut.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Edition of 40.
- Signature and marks
- Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition.
Documented History and Meaning
History note: This page treats Vhils's broader career as background context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition or event. Release-level facts here come from a saved secondary catalog record.
Meaning / interpretation: Read as documented context rather than stated intent: Created in 2011, Carving Cities reflects Vhils' interest in using tools that physically remove material, consistent with the drilling and carving of his wall work. This is an interpretive reading of the release context, not a statement of the artist's intent for this specific work. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2011 and attributes the edition to Post No Bills.
Authentication, Presentation and Provenance
- Original presentation
- Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
- Authentication note
- Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.
- Provenance note
- Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to Post No Bills. That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.
Sources and Verification
Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added
- Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Starting record for title, year, edition, dimensions, medium, and release description. Primary confirmation against the original release page remains pending.
- Vhils — official site — Vhils studio · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official artist site; career context, not an individual-edition record.
- Vhils — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
- Vhils (Q115823) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.
FAQ
How is the image created?
By laser etching, which cuts the image into the surface rather than printing ink onto it.
Why does the technique suit Vhils?
Etching is a subtractive, carving process, mirroring how he reveals images by removing surface material from walls.
What is the edition size?
40 examples at roughly 24 × 19.5 inches.
