Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Vhils Print Index
Contrive Series #05
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Contrive Series #05 (2019) is a hand-finished lithograph in an edition of 30, made with Quink ink and acid at 95 by 70 cm. The fifth and final image in the Contrive Series, it combines lithographic printing with Vhils's corrosive finishing, and its limited run gives each impression scarcity and unique surface character.
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
As the closing image of the five-part series, Contrive #05 completes Vhils's hybrid exploration of acid-and-Quink erosion on lithographs. The technique marries traditional printmaking with his subtractive portraiture. At just 30 examples, it offers collectors the concluding chapter of a rare, large-format, hand-worked sequence.
Collector Perspective
With 30 impressions, Contrive #05 is scarce, and hand-applied acid ensures each sheet differs. Its 95 by 70 cm format commands wall presence, and as the final entry it holds particular appeal for collectors completing the full series. The signature and number authenticate it; the acid-worked surface is intended, not a defect.
Historical Context
Concluding the 2019 Contrive Series, #05 reflects Vhils applying his erosion technique across print media. The series arises from more than a decade of carving portraits into urban surfaces, here compressed into a small, hybrid lithographic edition of 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: Concluding the 2019 Contrive Series, #05 reflects Vhils applying his erosion technique across print media. 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 makes #05 notable in the series?
It is the fifth and final image of the Contrive Series, completing the five-part sequence.
How scarce is it?
With only 30 impressions, it is among Vhils's more limited editions.
What technique is used?
Lithography hand-finished with Quink ink and acid for unique surface effects.
What is the size?
95 by 70 cm.
