Artist: ARMEN
Title: Rocky
Year created: 2019
Medium: Original Mixed Media on Canvas
Edition: Original Unique Artwork, Hand-Signed and Dated by the Artist
Height (inches): 39
Width (inches): 51-1/2
Depth (inches): 1-1/2
Signed twice by the artist
Signed Areas: front; and on verso, with date of completion
Description of piece:
This grand-scaled showpiece — titled Rocky — from New York - Miami artist ARMEN celebrates Sylvester Stallone in his titular role as Rocky Balboa.
The "Rocky" film franchise comprised six films: the first, Rocky (1976), written by Stallone and directed by John Avildsen, was followed by the sequels Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), Rocky V (1990), and Rocky Balboa (2006). Stallone wrote and directed four of the five sequels, with Avildsen returning to direct Rocky V. The series brought Stallone international fame, and both the films and Stallone garnered multiple Academy Award nominations, with Rocky winning Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. Stallone was nominated for Best Actor, and the first film is widely considered to be one of the greatest sports films of all time, with Balboa being considered one of the most iconic fictional characters of all time.
An original, one-of-a-kind, and dramatically-scaled mixed media artwork on canvas, the work was completed in 2019. Measuring 39” in height x 51-1/2” width, this powerful and striking artwork is filled with extraordinary detail, and imagery and references to the Rocky films. Seven Rocky/Stallone portraits are creatively interwoven with those of luminaries, cultural icons, and pop-culture references. Superheroes, renowned actors, artists and artworks, and cartoon characters also share the canvas. Bold applications of paint bring added depth, texture and presence to the work.
The cast of luminaries, artworks and icons depicted in the work include: Balboa’s well-worn red boxing gloves, top left; the name ROCKY, centered, large and bold, as a graphic element spanning the top of the artwork; seven additional Rocky portraits; Andy Warhol’s soup cans; Charlie Chaplin; Bugs Bunny; Keith Haring art; Mickey Mouse; Batman; Picasso; Rocky Balboa & Adrian (the first Rocky movie poster) — plus more, featured throughout the artwork.
This grand-format showpiece comes gallery-wrapped and ready for display, with the artwork wrapping around the sides for a seamless presentation. Rocky is hand-signed twice by the artist: lower right in bold black paint, on a field of bright yellow; and on the reverse, also in black, directly on the wooden framing, where the artist has additionally dated the work.
Rocky comes accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from the Artist’s studio, signed by ARMEN, and containing an authenticating hologram.