Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Vhils Print Index
Lexicon
Summary
Lexicon is a 2026 hand-finished multiple by Vhils, produced in papier-mâché and spray paint at 100 by 70 centimetres. Each piece is individually hand-finished, signed and numbered by the artist across an edition of 50 plus 10 artist proofs, making every example a unique variation within the run.
Why It Matters
The use of papier-mâché ties directly to Vhils's excavation of layered advertising and poster surfaces, materialising his signature interest in accumulated urban paper. Spray paint over that substrate reintroduces the graffiti gesture, so the piece condenses two pillars of his vocabulary into one tactile multiple.
Collector Perspective
At an edition of 50 with hand-finishing, no two examples are identical, which rewards collectors who value uniqueness within a series. The papier-mâché medium is more fragile than paper or metal, so condition and careful handling matter more than usual for long-term stewardship.
Historical Context
Vhils's practice grew from carving through the strata of posters and billboards that coat city walls. Lexicon, made in 2026, translates that archaeological method into a studio object, using papier-mâché to reconstitute the very poster material his walls expose.
FAQ
What makes Lexicon hand-finished?
Each example is individually worked in spray paint over papier-mâché, so every piece in the edition of 50 varies slightly.
How large is the work?
It measures 100 by 70 centimetres.
What is the total edition?
Fifty numbered pieces plus 10 artist proofs, all signed by Vhils.
Is papier-mâché durable?
It is more delicate than paper or cast media, so framing and stable humidity are recommended for preservation.
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.