Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Vhils Print Index
Substrata
Summary
Substrata (2021) is a giclée print on heavy archival cold press cotton rag, 300 g/m2, at a large 100 x 80 cm. Signed and numbered in an edition of 200 with 20 APs, it renders a Vhils portrait through fine-art digital printing on premium textured cotton stock, offering his imagery at substantial scale.
Why It Matters
The giclée format on cotton rag prioritises tonal subtlety and archival stability, allowing a richly detailed rendering of Vhils's layered portraiture. The title Substrata evokes the geological and archaeological metaphors central to his work, the idea of imagery buried in layers, here expressed through high-resolution printing on textured fine-art paper at a large format.
Collector Perspective
At 200 plus 20 APs and 100 x 80 cm, Substrata gives collectors a large, wall-commanding Vhils image on museum-grade cotton rag. Giclée on cotton is stable and archival when framed with UV glazing. It is a relatively accessible way to own a big-format work; the cold press texture adds tactile richness that flat digital prints lack.
Historical Context
Giclée printing on cotton rag became a fine-art standard in the 2000s and 2010s for its longevity and colour depth, widely adopted by contemporary artists for large editions. Cold press cotton rag, with its textured surface, is prized for archival work. Substrata reflects Vhils's use of high-quality digital printing alongside his handmade and sculptural output.
FAQ
What is the medium of Substrata?
A giclée print on heavy archival cold press cotton rag paper, 300 g/m2.
What is the edition size?
Edition of 200, plus 20 artist's proofs, signed and numbered.
How large is it?
A substantial 100 x 80 cm.
Is giclée archival?
Yes; giclée on cotton rag is a museum-grade process, stable and long-lasting when properly framed.
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.