Emulsion, oil, felt tips and paint pens on deconstructed Harvey Nichols paper shopping bag with LEDs in ⅔ painted wood frame

85x66x5cm

Model wears a balaclava fashioned from a Glenfarclas Distillery bobble hat; in reference to the 2022 robbery in which several rare bottles of single malt whisky were stolen from the distillery by a masked gang.

The balaclava itself has gone from the stereotypical uniform of the criminal to an item of clothing re-designed by luxury brands to be desired by those it was previously used to intimidate.

Some artists decide to remain anonymous, which by chance or design can create a mystique around their work. Here we see a portrait in which the subject’s face is covered.

As part of a ‘recycling turn’ in curatorial practice, Duke Mitchell recycles salvaged and second-hand materials to create original artworks that combine observations with art historical themes and humour.

Built-in LEDs offer dark/light modes.