Artwork
Doleful Creature (Homemade)
Doleful Creature (Homemade) is a print by Caroline Whitehead. It dates from 2012 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Doleful Creature (Homemade) is a 2012 screenprint by Caroline Whitehead, depicting a fantastical, composite creature. The piece integrates diverse materials and annotations, emphasizing its handmade nature.
Subject & Meaning
The creature's body is a patchwork of disparate elements: grey fabric, green scales, and yellow accents, evoking a makeshift assembly from everyday discarded items. Annotations, such as 'frayed fabric from party dress that was never made', narrate the origins of each part, highlighting themes of reuse and creation from neglect.
Technique & Style
The screenprint combines printed elements with handwritten annotations and arrows, blending the uniformity of printmaking with the intimacy of hand-drawn commentary. The incorporation of shadow behind the creature adds depth to the otherwise flat, layered visual composition.
History & Provenance
Created in 2012, the work is signed, titled, and numbered by the artist. Specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
While direct contextual influences are not specified, the piece's emphasis on repurposing everyday materials and its quirky, mixed-media aesthetic aligns with contemporary practices valuing sustainability and the reevaluation of waste.
Legacy
The work's impact or legacy is not detailed in the provided information, though its themes and style suggest resonance with audiences interested in eco-conscious art and handmade, narrative-driven pieces.
Artist & collection
Artist
Caroline Whitehead makes contemporary prints that lean into the handmade. Look for the 2012 piece Doleful Creature (Homemade), where a simple, slightly slumped figure is outlined with uneven lines and printed on rough…
