Pettibon, Raymond | Yes, but Alas, 1990 — available on Composition Gallery
// Yes, but Alas by Raymond Pettibon, created in 1990, is a reflective silkscreen print that combines text with expressive, abstract imagery. The artwork features a broad, painterly stroke of deep blue across the upper half of the composition, reminiscent of a sky or perhaps a sea, with irregular textures that evoke depth and movement. Below this, Pettibon has inscribed in his signature handwritten style, “Yes; but, alas, all the blue sky is repainted. By restoration there is no saying how much you have lost.” This statement adds a contemplative tone, speaking to themes of loss, change, and the passage of time. The minimalistic yet poignant combination of text and image reflects Pettibon’s introspective approach, inviting viewers to consider the fragility of memory and the irreversible nature of restoration.
Artwork Copyright © Raymond Pettibon
Raymond Pettibon (USA, 1957) is a contemporary artist known for his graphic, text-laden drawings that merge pop culture, literature, and politics. Emerging from the punk rock scene, including designing for Black Flag, Pettibon’s works explore dark humor and subversion. His distinctive style is widely exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide.
Artwork Copyright © Raymond Pettibon

Yes, but Alas, 1990

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// Yes, but Alas by Raymond Pettibon, created in 1990, is a reflective silkscreen print that combines text with expressive, abstract imagery. The artwork features a broad, painterly stroke of deep blue across the upper half of the composition, reminiscent of a sky or perhaps a sea, with irregular textures that evoke depth and movement. Below this, Pettibon has inscribed in his signature handwritten style, “Yes; but, alas, all the blue sky is repainted. By restoration there is no saying how much you have lost.” This statement adds a contemplative tone, speaking to themes of loss, change, and the passage of time. The minimalistic yet poignant combination of text and image reflects Pettibon’s introspective approach, inviting viewers to consider the fragility of memory and the irreversible nature of restoration.
Artwork Copyright © Raymond Pettibon
Raymond Pettibon (USA, 1957) is a contemporary artist known for his graphic, text-laden drawings that merge pop culture, literature, and politics. Emerging from the punk rock scene, including designing for Black Flag, Pettibon’s works explore dark humor and subversion. His distinctive style is widely exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide.
Artwork Copyright © Raymond Pettibon
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I Want To Be The Girl In The Wig Commercial, 1989

Limited Edition Print

Lithograph

USD 3,900

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And When I Want to Fly Home What Do I Do?, 2004

Limited Edition Print

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Limited Edition Print

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Available works by Raymond Pettibon

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No Title (Our Secret Spot)

Raymond Pettibon

No Title (Our Secret Spot), 2022

Limited Edition Print

Lithograph

Inquire For Price

No Title (You have still)

Raymond Pettibon

No Title (You have still), 2002

Limited Edition Print

Silkscreen

EUR 1,500

Untitled, It might easily -be drawn into drawings

Raymond Pettibon

Untitled, It might easily -be drawn into drawings, 1990

Limited Edition Print

Serigraph

USD 2,900

The World Came into the Church

Raymond Pettibon

The World Came into the Church, 1991

Limited Edition Print

Screen-print

USD 2,950

I Want To Be The Girl In The Wig Commercial

Raymond Pettibon

I Want To Be The Girl In The Wig Commercial, 1989

Limited Edition Print

Lithograph

USD 3,900

And When I Want to Fly Home What Do I Do?

Raymond Pettibon

And When I Want to Fly Home What Do I Do?, 2004

Limited Edition Print

Lithograph

USD 2,700

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What is Lettrism?

Lettrism is an art form that uses letters, words, and symbols to create artwork. The movement was established in Paris in the 1940s and later gained popularity in the 1950s in America. Lettrisme is the French spelling of the movement's name, derived from the French word for letter.

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