Bochner, Mel | Kick Against the Pricks, 2018 — available on Composition Gallery

Two colour silkscreen on coated paper. Signed, dated and numbered to lower right. Published by Two Palms Press, Inc., New York, New York to benefit for Downtown For Democracy; Printed by Keigo Takahashi and Alison Sahmel, Two Palms Press, Inc., New York, New York

Kick Against the Pricks by Mel Bochner, created in 2018, is a two-color silkscreen that blends bold typography with conceptual provocation. Printed on coated paper in a limited edition of 30, the work features the phrase in dripping, blue-on-blue letters, suggesting resistance and agitation. The phrase itself—biblical in origin—has been co-opted in punk and countercultural contexts, aligning with Bochner's interest in language as material. Layers of repeated "BLAH" in the background reinforce the artist’s critique of empty rhetoric and cultural noise. This piece continues Bochner’s exploration of the power and absurdity of words in contemporary society.

Mel Bochner (USA, 1940-2025) was a conceptual artist and pioneer in text-based art. Known for his bold use of language, color, and mathematical precision, his works explore the intersection of linguistics, perception, and visual art. Bochner’s influential practice challenges viewers to reconsider the relationship between words and images.

Mel Bochner

Kick Against the Pricks, 2018

Name: Kick Against the Pricks, 2018
SKU: 16435

Form

Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition PrintA limited edition print is one of a number of prints made at the same time from one printmaking plate. A fixed number are made and signed by the artist, indicating the printing order, using the format 1/10, meaning first of ten prints.

Medium

Silkscreen

Silkscreen Silkscreen is a printmaking method that uses a screen made of silk or other mesh fabric. The screen is treated with a substance that blocks ink in certain areas, allowing ink to pass through only in the desired sections. Each color in the print requires a separate screen.

Edition

Edition of 30

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The viewer should enter the idea through a visual or phenomenological experience rather than simply reading it.

- Mel Bochner

Regarded as one of the most influential and successful pioneers of Conceptual art,, Mel Bochner analyzed the relationship between language, physical space, and color through his text-based paintings. His work often featured expletives and derogatory words rendered in soft, pastel tones such as pink, while complimentary words appeared in sludgy brown or soiled black, subverting expected emotional responses.

One of Bochner’s most celebrated works was a series of thesaurus-based paintings, in which he filled walls with synonyms for a single word, encouraging viewers to reflect on the language they use and the meanings words carry. Throughout his career, he was vocal about his need to experiment with various materials and approaches as a means of fulfilling his artistic expression and creativity. He elaborated on this philosophy in his essay The Medium and the Tedium. (Artist website)

Available works by Mel Bochner

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Mel Bochner

Untitled (Four X Four X Four), 1990

Limited Edition Print

Screen-print

USD 1,450

Mel Bochner

Oh Well, 2019

Limited Edition Print

Mixed Media

EUR 12,000

Mel Bochner

Crazy (With background Noise) , 2018

Limited Edition Print

Screen-print

EUR 9,000

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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Mel Bochner