Ard Doko (1991) - Together Alone

Numbered and signed Offset Lithograph by Dutch artist Ard Doko.
Together Alone.
2022.
Edition of 25.
50 x 70cm.
Multi Design Rough White 170gsm.

Black and white nude of a young women, on a colored backgrounds with blue, red, yellow and green and enhanced with hand-drawn symbols.
Street-Art style. Original mixed media.

The print is brand new and has been stored flat. It will be shipped rolled in a tube with extra protection and insured, which means a slightly higher postage cost.
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity Sticker signed by the artist, that you can decide to keep separate, paste directly onto the back of the print, or of a frame.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Ard Doko commenced his prolific career in urban art at the age of 19. A self-taught artist, he delved into art as a means of exploring and expressing his surroundings, playing with the dichotomy of being both in and out. Defying the silence ingrained in his Slavic upbringing, he equipped himself with spray paint, brushes, and markers to bring controversy into the light.
From brick walls to canvas, Ard Doko guides us through his experiences with multi-layered compositions that address cultural and identity issues. His work serves as a manifesto to anyone daring to see that the world is not as black and white as it proclaims to be. It's about viewing the world differently, through the gaze of the artist himself, who employs eyes as an iconic trademark. These eyes remain a distinctive feature in his work—a constant amidst chaos—reminding us that the world is always perceived through our individual perspectives.
The eyes represent a quintessential art form, leading us through the mist and serving as a reflection of the world intrinsically and a projection of the self into the world. Drawing the reality of the subject, they unveil their own truth, even if that truth is subject to eternal silence.

His toolbox comprises spray paint, acrylics, markers, and canvas, which he uses to build and develop his own lexicon of symbols, reminiscent of the early street-art scene iconography of the 80s.
Showcasing his work globally on walls and in brick-and-mortar galleries, the artist is well-known for supporting projects addressing mental health and LGBTQ+ through commissioned work and community projects, such as "Blue" in Illinois, USA. Other commissions and exhibitions include POWWOW (Rotterdam, NL), Magic Garage (Los Angeles, USA), Lendnine Gallery (Graz, AT), GO Gallery (Amsterdam, NL), CIAO (USA), Blooom Art Fair (Cologne, DE), the Secret Garden (Amsterdam, NL), and Museum de Fundatie (Zwolle, NL), among others.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK:
"Together Alone". The title already alludes to the dichotomy that lies at the heart of Ard Doko's art. Even when we are surrounded by people, we remain alone.
But who is together with us? In this piece, a young woman looks at us. She is naked but brings her arms across her chest. Her gaze towards us, and her body language, are gentle. From the black and white photograph, a streak of colour emerges over the eyes, making them the center of focus rather than her naked body. Her skin is partially covered in lines cast by shadows from a place we can't see. Behind her head, a large red circle, like the sun turning into a ball of fire in some late afternoons. Black clouds with rain coming out. But that's already behind her. What lies ahead is a red blooming flower, crowned by three wide-open eyes.

To us, this is an invitation to a new start and increased awareness. Beyond the great composition and beautiful image, a sense of peace and poise emanates from this artwork.
Nudes are a timeless art subject. Ard Doko has elevated it in this print, creating a piece that conveys a sense of delicacy and emotion, suitable for any interior. We hope it finds a place in your home and helps you reflect each day on vulnerability, connection, and making oneself visible to others.

STREET-ART MOVEMENT:
Ard Doko belongs to the wide and ever growing Street-Art mouvement that originated in the late 80s graffiti scene and has since been reclaiming public spaces as a platform to emancipate art and make it truly accessible to everyone. Councils and, overall, the public domain have now recognized its power and ability to renew and revive cities, abandoned areas, and spark interest for people to (re)engage with commons. Many festivals, commissions, and dedicated museums now celebrate the diversity of styles coexisting within Street-Art. Some of the most prominent members of this movement include pioneers and precursors Keith Harring, Basquiat, Jacques Villeglé, and the more contemporary Banksy, Obey (Shepard Fairey), Invader, C215, JR, Vhils, Mr. Brainwash, FAKE, Jef Aerosol, Swoon, Speedy Graphito, Cornbread, Futura 2000, Kaws, D*Face, Misstic, Fin DAC, the London Police,1010, Alexi Diaz, Alias, Alice Pasquini, Axel Void, Blek le rat, Cranio, Super A, Danielle SeeWalker, Hoxxoh, Bortusk Kleer, Arsh Mandrome, Hök, Moabit, TedyZet, Utopia, Jago Oner, Santicri, Kev Munday amongst many, many more.