Phido
“Anachronistic #1” Limited Edition print, 2024
3-color Screen print
18 x 24 in., 45.7 x 61 cm
Edition of 175, signed & numbered by artist
From the artist:
This hand-pulled screen print by contemporary urban artist Phido masterfully bridges time and style, creating a layered dialogue between past and present. Known for his unique approach to weaving iconic art into new, contemporary narratives, Phido invites the viewer to engage with this piece as both a nod to art history and a statement on modern culture.
In this piece, Phido juxtaposes American Gothic, the solemn, iconic American painting, against the elegant backdrop of Gustave Caillebotte’s Paris Street; Rainy Day. In a bold choice, a single blue umbrella stands out amidst the grayscale tones, drawing the eye and adding an unexpected pop of color. This deliberate focal point adds a touch of surrealism, inviting reflection on the viewer’s own position in the interaction between eras and the layering of meaning across generations.
The addition of a smartphone as a central element brings a distinctly modern twist to the classic works, connecting eras in a way that’s both playful and thought-provoking. The smartphone acts as a portal, bridging the American countryside with the sophisticated urban streets of 19th-century Paris, drawing the viewer into a timeless conversation. Through this blend of familiar imagery, Phido invites us to reflect on how we view and experience art across generations. The smartphone, a symbol of our contemporary world, becomes an anachronistic element that forges an unexpected connection between past and present, encouraging us to see these iconic works not as relics of history but as part of our ongoing cultural dialogue.
Adding to this sense of timelessness is the screen-printed ornate gold frame encircling the print. This intricate border, reminiscent of the gilded frames found in art museums, roots the piece in a classical context while simultaneously embracing the aesthetics of modern urban art. The frame serves as both a visual anchor and a nod to traditional presentation styles, contrasting with the modern elements within. It emphasizes the artist’s aim to blend eras, allowing contemporary viewers to explore these art historical icons with a sense of reverence and relevance.
Physical Description of the Piece
3 color hand pulled screen print on 100-pound light gray French cardstock paper. Edition of 175 prints, each piece is hand-signed, numbered, and dated in graphite by the artist in the lower right corner and embossed with the artist's atelier mark.
