Monk, Jonathan | Backside Brussels IV, 2016 — available on Composition Gallery

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Acrylic sculpture; signature on certificate; perfect condition

Backside Brussels IV by Jonathan Monk is an acrylic wall sculpture from 2016, part of a limited edition series that combines minimalist aesthetics with a humorous twist. The sculpture appears as a plain white box with a small black dot in the center, which is revealed upon closer inspection to represent the backside of a miniature Manneken Pis figure, the iconic statue from Brussels. This edition contains a unique variation of the Manneken Pis, adorned with the colors of the Belgian flag, adding a patriotic touch to the artwork. Hidden on the reverse side, the small statue contrasts playfully with the otherwise sleek and unassuming exterior. Signed on a certificate, this work exemplifies Monk’s ability to merge simplicity with a surprise element, inviting viewers to look beyond appearances in a witty, thought-provoking way.

Jonathan Monk (UK, 1969) is a conceptual artist whose work reinterprets and challenges art history with wit and irony. Using diverse media, including photography, sculpture, and performance, he engages in playful dialogues with iconic artists and movements. Monk’s works blur originality and appropriation, inviting viewers to question the boundaries of contemporary art.

Jonathan Monk

Backside Brussels IV, 2016

Name: Backside Brussels IV, 2016
SKU: 8955
Price: 800.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Form

Sculpture / Object

Sculpture / ObjectA sculpture is a three-dimension object made using any one of the basic sculpting processes. These include carving, casting, constructing or modeling. Carving materials may be bone, ivory, stone or wood. Modeling and casting use clay or wax, while constructions glue materials together.

Medium

Acrylic sculpture

Acrylic sculptureAcrylic sculpture refers to both a process and the resulting object. The artist begins by creating a sculpture from clay, plaster, or epoxy, which is then used to make a flexible mold. Melted acrylic is poured into the mold, and once it cures, the acrylic piece is hand-finished through sanding and polishing. Acrylic sculptures are valued for their clarity, durability, and ability to achieve intricate details.

Edition

Unique from an edition of 14

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Acrylic sculpture; signature on certificate; perfect condition

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Is it or is it not or can it or can it not be?
- Jonathan Monk

Jonathan Monk is a British artist living and working in Berlin, Germany. He creates photographs, film, sculpture and installation pieces which are thought to be humorous reinterpretations of works by Sol LeWitt, Ed Ruscha, and John Baldessari to name some. Monk often uses quotations to give new ideas to works viewed as seminal in their time, adding quirkiness to challenge the value of the artwork. Jonathan Monk's upbringing in a working class environment is viewed by some as his source for taking the artistic and adding the mundane in ways that encourage viewers to think differently about specific art pieces than they may have before. Jonathan Monk has works exhibited throughout the world. His Tears, 2005 photograph shows a passport photo with the eyes completely covered by a pair of drop earrings placed to represent tears. His Painting of a photo of a photo of a painting, 2008, has images of a purple vase filled with yellow sunflowers, both in photograph image and then drawn in markers. The greeting “Get Well Soon” is one of three witty, hand-lettered greetings included. These are only two of the pieces which have established Jonathan Monk's reputation as a humorist in the art world.

Artwork by John Baldessari

What is conceptual art?

Sometimes referred to as Conceptualism, this is an art form where the idea(s) or concept(s) behind the work take precedence over material concerns and traditional aesthetics. Many conceptual artworks can be created by anyone simply by following written instructions. The concept or idea is the most essential aspect of the artwork.

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Jonathan Monk

Backside Brussels IV, 2016

40 x 40 x 4 cm

Language & Currency

Jonathan Monk