Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Vhils Print Index
Rupture
Summary
Rupture (2017) is a seven-colour lithograph on BFK Rives 270 g/m2 hand-cut paper at 87 x 61 cm, printed on a Marinoni press at Idem Studio in Paris. Signed and numbered in an edition of 200, it applies fine-art lithographic craft to Vhils' portrait imagery.
Why It Matters
Rupture predates the closely related Convulsion and shares its atelier pedigree. Producing a seven-colour lithograph at the historic Idem Studio signals Vhils' engagement with classical printmaking, contrasting the refined press process with the ruptured, fragmentary quality his portraits evoke.
Collector Perspective
At an edition of 200, Rupture is more limited than the 300-run Convulsion, and its Idem Studio provenance adds appeal. The seven-colour registration and hand-cut BFK Rives stock reward close viewing. Collectors should confirm the signature, numbering and clean condition of the large sheet.
Historical Context
Idem Studio's lithographic heritage traces to the Mourlot lineage that served twentieth-century masters. Vhils' 2017 Rupture places his contemporary portrait work within that tradition, using the atelier's Marinoni press to achieve a layered seven-colour image on premium paper.
FAQ
How does Rupture relate to Convulsion?
Both are seven-colour Idem Studio lithographs on BFK Rives; Rupture (2017, edition of 200) precedes Convulsion (2018, edition of 300 plus 20 AP).
Where was it printed?
On a Marinoni press at Idem Studio in Paris.
What is the edition size?
200, signed and numbered by the artist.
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.