Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Vhils Print Index
Convulsion
Summary
Convulsion (2018) is a seven-colour lithograph on BFK Rives 270 g/m2 hand-cut paper at 100 x 70 cm, printed on a Marinoni press at the historic Idem Studio in Paris. Signed and numbered in an edition of 300 plus 20 AP, it represents a more traditional fine-art printmaking approach for Vhils.
Why It Matters
Convulsion stands apart from Vhils' bleach-and-acid screen prints by embracing classical lithography. Produced at Idem Studio, the legendary Paris atelier used by artists across the twentieth century, its seven-colour registration on hand-cut BFK Rives signals a deliberate move into refined, press-based printmaking.
Collector Perspective
The Idem Studio provenance and seven-colour lithographic process give Convulsion a distinct appeal among Vhils editions. At 300 plus 20 AP it is not tiny, but the large format and prestigious atelier elevate it. Collectors should confirm the signature, numbering and pristine hand-cut BFK Rives sheet.
Historical Context
Idem Studio in Paris carries a lineage from Mourlot and has printed for major modern artists. Vhils' decision to produce Convulsion there in 2018 places his portrait imagery within a storied lithographic tradition, contrasting his raw street methods with formal atelier craftsmanship.
FAQ
Where was Convulsion printed?
On a Marinoni press at Idem Studio in Paris, a historic lithography atelier.
What kind of print is it?
A seven-colour lithograph on BFK Rives 270 g/m2 hand-cut paper at 100 x 70 cm.
What is the edition size?
300 plus 20 artist's proofs, signed and numbered.
About the Artist
Vhils is the working name of Alexandre Farto, a Portuguese visual artist born in 1987 near Lisbon. He is internationally recognized for a pioneering "carving" technique in which he excavates portraits from layered walls, billboards, and surfaces using chisels, drills, and controlled explosives, effectively creating images by removing material rather than adding it. His large-scale murals appear in cities across the globe, and his studio editions translate this bas-relief, destructive-creation aesthetic into prints, laser-cut works, and mixed-media pieces. Vhils has exhibited widely and collaborated on major public and institutional projects.
Collecting Vhils at Gauntlet Gallery
What Vhils works can I collect?
Beyond his walls, Vhils produces signed, numbered studio editions including screenprints, hand-carved paper, laser-cut metal, and mixed-media relief works. Editions that preserve his signature carving texture are especially sought after. Gauntlet Gallery favors pieces in excellent condition with intact surfaces and complete documentation.
How is a Vhils piece authenticated?
We sell Vhils works with documented studio provenance, supported by the edition's signature and numbering. Each piece is photographed exactly as it will ship, including signature, edition number, and any embossing or studio marks, so details are verifiable up front.
What drives value?
Medium and technique (unique carved and relief works over flat prints), edition size, scale, condition, and documented provenance all shape price. Hand-worked, textural, and one-of-a-kind pieces carry the highest premiums.