Pentachrome Provocateur
Carving
£5000.00
A heavily textured fusion of ancient wax and contemporary pop portraiture with sgraffito carving techniques applied to a multi layered encaustic painting. The final image ultimately revealed after approximately 100,000 unique incisions into the wax.
True to its name, the piece relies on a strict, deliberate five-colour palette (pentachrome), drawing upon the Wada Sanzo colour harmonics. The stark, graphic contrast of deep plum shadow and aged ivory skin tone splits the subject's face down the centre. The chiaroscuro is punctuated by fields of electric cerulean blue, culminating in a provocative stare that locks onto the viewer.
Because of the natural optical properties of beeswax, and the shellac finish, the surface dynamically shifts in depth and tone depending on the ambient lighting of the room, offering an entirely unique visual experience from day to night.
Dimensions: 150 x 91 cm (approx. 59 x 36 inches) — Large-scale statement piece
Medium: Original Encaustic & Sgraffito on Heavy Wood Panel
Palette: Pentachrome (Deep Plum, Pale Ivory, Electric Cerulean, Burnt Umber, Charcoal)
Year: 2026