Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Vhils Print Index
Decal
Summary
Decal (2021) is a hand-painted multiple made of papier-mâché and paint, 100 x 70 cm, hand-finished, signed, and numbered in an edition of 50 with 5 APs. Its sculptural, molded surface departs entirely from flat printing, giving each example the presence of a unique relief object built from a humble, tactile material.
Why It Matters
Papier-mâché is an unexpected, almost fragile material for Vhils, and its hand-painted finish means each of the 50 is individually worked, making them closer to unique reliefs than reproducible prints. The moulded surface introduces genuine physical texture and shadow, extending his interest in dimensional portraiture into a lightweight, handcrafted medium at large scale.
Collector Perspective
At only 50 plus 5 APs and hand-painted, Decal is a scarce, effectively one-off relief within its edition. The 100 x 70 cm papier-mâché form has strong sculptural presence but demands careful, humidity-conscious handling given the material. Collectors valuing hand-made uniqueness and tactile surface over flat editions will find this a distinctive holding in the Vhils catalogue.
Historical Context
Papier-mâché is an ancient, accessible modelling material rarely associated with contemporary fine-art editions, which makes Vhils's use of it notable. Hand-painting each multiple aligns with his broader move toward dimensional, object-based works in the early 2020s. Decal exemplifies his willingness to work across unconventional media in service of his relief portraiture.
FAQ
What is Decal made from?
Papier-mâché and paint, hand-finished at 100 x 70 cm.
What is the edition size?
Edition of 50, plus 5 artist's proofs, signed and numbered.
Is each example unique?
Effectively yes; each is hand-painted, giving individual variation across the edition.
How should it be cared for?
As a papier-mâché relief object, it needs careful, humidity-conscious handling and mounting.
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.