Oscar Wilde Pop Art Painting

"Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray" (Oscar Wilde) | Acrylic on Masonite | 2021

When Pantone announced two Colors of the Year for 2021, it was obvious (to me, anyway) that Ultimate Gray was perfect for playwright, poet, and author, Oscar Wilde. The Picture of Dorian Gray was Wilde's only novel and explores the purpose of art, superficiality, society's preoccupation with youth and beauty, and the effects of bad decision-making. Highly criticized and controversial at the time, it is now regarded as a classic.

Part of the Pantone Series, this piece is acrylic on masonite; measures 6" W x 6" H. These pieces come wired and ready to hang; and are meant to look like larger Pantone-inspired chips when installed.

The Pantone Series began in 2016 for Rochester Contemporary Art Center’s annual 6x6 Exhibition and fundraiser; and was prompted by Pantone’s Color of the Year announcement. It involves juxtaposing a celebrity with a Pantone color chip that somehow relates to that person.