Artwork
Regal
Regal is a print by Chris Ofili. It dates from 2000 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Regal is a mixed‑media print produced in 2000 by Counter Editions as part of a fourteen‑work portfolio of contemporary artists. The image originated as a watercolor applied over an etched surface, which was then digitized and used as the basis for a multi‑process print.
Technique & Style
The work combines several printing methods. After scanning the original watercolor, photographic separations were created. Lithography reproduces the watercolor areas, while screenprinting applies a phosphorescent ink to the background, giving the surface a luminous quality that becomes visible in darkness.
Subject & Meaning
Regal functions as a companion piece to Ofili’s earlier work Celestial (1998). Both images explore representations of Black identity, employing a blend of reverence and playfulness to challenge stereotypes while offering affectionate, nuanced portrayals.
History & Provenance
Issued by Counter Editions in 2000, Regal was included in a limited portfolio showcasing contemporary artists. The print’s production involved collaboration between the artist and the publisher, employing both traditional and digital techniques to achieve its final form.
Context
Chris Ofili’s practice frequently merges conventional media with contemporary technologies. Regal exemplifies this approach, situating the work within a broader movement of artists who incorporate digital processes to reinterpret classic printmaking methods.
Artist & collection
Artist
Christopher Ofili (born 10 October 1968) is a British painter who won the Turner Prize in 1998.
