Javier Calleja – Do Not Touch (Grey), 2020 – Mixed Media

Resin, steel, string and acrylic paint with hand-drawn canvas - Canvas 20.5 x 16.3 cm (8 x 6.5 in) - Signed and numbered on the back (canvas)

Do Not Touch (Grey) by Javier Calleja, created in 2020, is a mixed media sculpture that combines resin, steel, string, and acrylic paint. The piece depicts one of Calleja's signature characters, characterized by its oversized eyes and innocent expression, dressed in muted grey tones. The figure is accompanied by a small hand-drawn canvas that reads Do Not Touch, echoing the artist’s playful and ironic approach to his work. The canvas measures 20.5 x 16.3 cm and is signed and numbered on the back, highlighting the unique, limited-edition nature of the piece. This edition of 250 showcases Calleja's whimsical style, blending innocence with humor, while encouraging viewers to engage with the artwork in a personal, interactive manner.

Javier Calleja (Spain, 1971) is a contemporary artist celebrated for his whimsical paintings and sculptures featuring wide-eyed characters. Blending humor and innocence, his works often incorporate text, creating playful interactions between image and word. Calleja’s distinctive style has earned him international acclaim, with exhibitions in leading galleries worldwide.

Javier Calleja

Do Not Touch (Grey), 2020

Form

Sculpture / Object

Sculpture / ObjectA sculpture is a three-dimension object made using any one of the basic sculpting processes. These include carving, casting, constructing or modeling. Carving materials may be bone, ivory, stone or wood. Modeling and casting use clay or wax, while constructions glue materials together.

Medium

Mixed Media

Mixed MediaMixed media refers to artwork that incorporates more than one medium within a single piece. Unlike multimedia art, which combines distinct forms of visual art and often includes elements like sound, video, or digital media, mixed media focuses on combining traditional art materials, such as paint, ink, and collage. Mixed media art allows artists to achieve a wide range of effects and textures by layering and blending different materials.

Edition

Edition of 250

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●Inventory 12549

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Limited Edition Print

Javier Calleja, born in 1971 in Málaga, Spain, is a contemporary artist renowned for his distinct visual language that often combines playful innocence with complex themes. He studied Fine Arts at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, where he honed his skills under mentors like Juan Carlos Eguillor and Manolo Valdés. Over time, Calleja has diversified his artistic mediums, transitioning from traditional painting to including drawings, sculptures, and installations in his repertoire.

His work is characterized by whimsical characters with oversized heads and diminutive bodies, situated in dreamlike environments. Despite their seemingly simplistic appearance, these characters explore multifaceted themes ranging from identity and the human psyche to the intricacies of daily life. Calleja uses irony and humor as effective tools to delve into deeper, more existential issues, making his art accessible yet profound.

Calleja’s works are a fusion of various art movements such as Surrealism, Cubism, and Pop Art, but they maintain a unique flair that sets him apart. His art has garnered international attention, captivating audiences across continents. With an expanding portfolio and a continually growing following, Calleja remains a significant figure in contemporary art, continuously challenging and engaging viewers with his emotive and intellectually stimulating creations.

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Javier Calleja