Artwork

Coward of Love

Coward of Love, by Steve McQueen
Coward of Love, by Steve McQueen

Coward of Love is a print by Steve McQueen. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Coward of Love is a lithographic print by Steve McQueen, an artist primarily known for his work in film. It is part of a limited-edition box set published by SHOWstudio in 2001.

Subject & Meaning

The print features a sheet of text that conveys a personal confession, with the words creating an emotional distance between the viewer and the content. A quoted statement expresses a resolve to avoid future emotional pain.

Technique & Style

The print is encapsulated in a plastic coating, which adds a layer between the viewer and the work. The use of text as the primary medium gives the piece a direct and intimate quality.

History & Provenance

Coward of Love is one of several works included in a box set featuring a diverse range of creative practitioners, from photographers to musicians. The set reflects the eclectic interests of SHOWstudio, a project focused on contemporary image-making and multimedia.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Steve McQueen

Artist

Steve McQueen

Terrence Stephen McQueen was an American actor. His antihero persona, emphasized during the height of 1960s counterculture, made him a top box office draw for his films of the late 1950s to the mid-1970s. He was…