Angel 1998

Gary Hume made "Angel" using screenprinting, a process that gives the image its bold, graphic quality. Screenprinting has fascinating roots in industrial production and sign making. Its translation into fine art opened up new possibilities for artists interested in appropriating pop culture. In "Angel", the flat, uniform color creates a striking visual impact. Hume coaxes a remarkable level of detail from the medium, seen most clearly in the facial features. The simplification of form gives "Angel" an enigmatic and modern quality. It reminds us that beauty can be found in the everyday, and that fine art can draw inspiration from commercial techniques. The result is an intriguing piece that challenges our preconceptions about art and its relationship to the wider world.