Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Vhils Print Index
Nothing Lasts Forever
Summary
Nothing Lasts Forever, from 2008, is a hand-finished screen print in an edition of 100, measuring 70 x 50 cm. Released in the wake of Vhils's standout appearance at London's Cans Festival, it marked his arrival as a print artist, its title crystallizing the theme of impermanence that runs through all his work.
Why It Matters
This print is tied to the moment Vhils broke through internationally, when his wall-drilling technique drew wide attention at the Cans Festival. As one of his early editions of 100, it captures that emergence, and its title, Nothing Lasts Forever, states plainly the meditation on transience and decay at the heart of his practice.
Collector Perspective
At an edition of 100, this is a moderately limited early Vhils print with genuine art-historical significance given its link to his breakout period. Collectors should verify the artist's signature and assess the hand-finishing quality. Its association with the Cans Festival moment gives it narrative appeal alongside the visual strength of the work.
Historical Context
2008 was the year Vhils drew acclaim at London's Cans Festival, where his wall-carving and drilling technique set him apart. Nothing Lasts Forever emerged from that context, translating his subtractive, decay-focused wall practice into an editioned print at the moment his international profile was taking shape.
FAQ
Why is this print historically significant?
It dates to 2008, the period of Vhils's breakout at London's Cans Festival, marking his emergence as a recognized print artist.
How large is the edition?
A hand-finished edition of 100, measuring 70 x 50 cm.
What does the title convey?
"Nothing Lasts Forever" states the theme of impermanence and decay central to Vhils's entire body of work.
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.