Description
ICONOCLAST II
ICONOCLAST II is the second adaptation in the ICONOCLASTS series of body of print-works which began in 2016 during Wilde’s co-residency at the Woman’s Art Library Goldsmiths entitled Empowered Printworks.
Wilde originally created a set of prints depicting lipsticks where we/us wrote the words ‘Weapon Of Choice’ in lipstick under the singular iconic image.
This design was later developed into the large-scale serigraph editions, Iconoclast I, launched in 2017 that came in Red/Neon Rose coloured lipsticks. This edition sold out in 2019-2020, with only a few artist proofs remaining in Wilde’s archive.
These works are a direct response to the Taliban’s ban on lipstick amongst other items deemed against “The Sharia” in 1996 – also with memories of growing up in Iran in the 80’s where women were also victimised/arrested if they were seen wearing the War Paint, we/us was questioning why is this unassuming piece of make-up used as a “Weapon” by men to punish & de-humanise. When it became apparent how the pandemic & lockdown had internally affected our relationship with ourselves, our confidence & the desire to wear makeup, especially lipstick-Lipstick sales must have been suffering since the only things worn on/over our mouths were face masks!
The miniature Icons were released in 2022, hand printed on newly discovered gold hued pearlescent specialist paper, with custom mixed gold and black metallic inks, these originally came in four variants [Defiant, Dare, Maleficent & Rose Vif] which included two limited Artist Proof editions which sold out in 2023.
We will leave you with a story from those times. In 2020 a Pakistani University’s {Muzaffarabad} Lipstick Ban Sparked a Major Backlash….
You ask why?
Well because of “Vulgar Graffiti written in lipstick in classrooms and in the women’s bathrooms”. On the spot fine of 100 rupees for each violation if seen/caught!
Please email info@aidaprints.com if you have any further queries regarding this piece of work.
Thank you.
