Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Vhils Print Index
Contrive Series #01
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Contrive Series #01 (2019) is a hand-finished lithograph in an edition of 30, worked with Quink ink and acid at 95 by 70 cm. As the opening image in the Contrive Series, it combines lithographic printing with Vhils's corrosive hand-finishing, and its small edition makes each impression a scarce, individually varied object.
Collector notes: First Edition; saved release record states an edition size of 30. 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
The Contrive Series merges lithography with the acid-and-Quink treatment usually reserved for Vhils's screen prints, a hybrid technique that unites fine art printmaking with his signature erosion. At 30 examples, #01 opens a tightly editioned sequence, giving collectors a rare, hand-worked expression of his method on a large sheet.
Collector Perspective
With only 30 impressions, Contrive #01 is notably scarce compared with Vhils's 200-to-300 screen print runs. The hand-applied acid ensures each sheet differs, and the large 95 by 70 cm format commands wall presence. Collectors drawn to completeness may pursue the full five-part series; the signature and number are the authentication checks.
Historical Context
Issued in 2019, the Contrive Series reflects Vhils experimenting across print media, applying his corrosive finishing to lithographs rather than screen prints. It sits within a decade-plus practice built on carving portraits into urban surfaces, here distilled into a limited, technically hybrid edition of just 30.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned lithograph
- Release date
- 2019
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Lithograph | Hand Finished; catalog dimensions 95 x 70 cm; Lithograph, quink ink and acid.
- Edition details
- First Edition; saved release record states an edition size of 30.
- 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: Issued in 2019, the Contrive Series reflects Vhils experimenting across print media, applying his corrosive finishing to lithographs rather than screen prints. 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 2019 and attributes the edition to Poligrafa Obra Grafica.
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 Poligrafa Obra Grafica. 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
What technique is used?
Lithography combined with hand-applied Quink ink and acid, a hybrid of printmaking and Vhils's erosion method.
How large is the edition?
An edition of 30, making it scarce relative to his screen print runs.
What number is this in the series?
It is #01, the opening image of the five-part Contrive Series.
What is the size?
95 by 70 cm, a large-format sheet.
