Javier Calleja‘s charming cartoon characters explore the possibilities and difficulties of life. Following a series of past collaborations, the Spanish artist reunites with London’s Avant Arte to release two new prints that bring the proverbial angel and devil on everyone’s shoulder into your home decor.
Released as both individual prints and a diptych set, it wasn’t me (2024) is centered around mischief that sometimes teeters between innocence and malice; while Floating (2024) taps into the limitless potential of daydreams. Viewed together, Calleja bridges a “simple but not easy” dialogue around each character, as if paused from a moment in a story. Each print is crafted using a 15 color engraving process, involving four photopolymer etching plates that is finished with a final color and hand-painted by the printer.
From paintings to prints, ceramic pots to totemic sculptures, Calleja’s practice is about imbuing an unflinching optimism, despite life’s trials and tribulations. For those looking to add his latest releases to their collection, each print costs $1,742 USD unframed and $2,048 USD in a white, black or abachi wood frame. While the diptych will run for $3,484 unframed and in the aforementioned framing options for $4,095 USD.
