2016. Edition of 125
18” x 35” (46 x 89cm)
3-color screen print on archival cream paper
Signed and numbered in pencil
"It’s Edwardian Ball time again, and as always, it’s a great pleasure to work with Justin Katz, the Edwardian Ball impresario, and once again I had a lot of fun making this poster!
My Edwardian Ball posters always have an edge of social critique in them. They are done with a wink and a nod, in keeping with the enjoyment of attending such an elaborate period pageant.
Most of the attendees also realize that the Edwardian era was one of unabashed and ostentatious oligarchy, unrivaled economic imperialism and a presumed European superiority complex. It’s all of these things that makes the period so bizarre to us today. I’ve always endeavored to reveal this outrageous and bizarre sense of imperial entitlement in my Edwardian Ball posters, and keep them wild and fun.
This year I’ve depicted Russian mega-oligarchs, Tsar & Tsarina, Nicholas and Alexandra. 100 years ago, they had one good year left before the Communists swept them away. We find them, lounging in state dinner attire, a pair of rare white tigers settled at their feet. The background is Rosslyn Chapel. The Russian says, “Tsar, have a nice trip! See ya next Fall!”" - Chuck