Artwork
It's Only Make Believe
It's Only Make Believe is a print by Rapp. It dates from 2012 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Rapp’s 2012 linocut titled *It’s Only Make Believe* presents a stark black‑and‑white composition. A figure wrapped in white cloth, its nose the only visible feature, kneels atop a motorbike. The surrounding space is filled with a crowd of distorted, ghostly faces, and the printed area is framed by the outline of a bishop’s mitre.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, resembling a mummy, suggests themes of concealment and vulnerability, while its precarious position on a motorbike introduces a tension between movement and stasis. The surrounding ghoul‑like visages amplify a sense of menace, and the mitre outline may allude to authority or ritual, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay of power and anonymity.
Technique & Style
Executed in linocut, the work employs deep, textured cuts that produce bold, high‑contrast lines. The stark chiaroscuro effect heightens the three‑dimensional illusion, while the repetitive carving of the background creates a pattern that feels almost engraved into the paper’s surface.
History & Provenance
The print is numbered and signed by Rapp, confirming its place within the artist’s 2012 series. Its title, *It’s Only Make Believe*, and the artist’s signature accompany the work, establishing its authenticity and situating it within the early 2010s period of experimental printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Rapp’s prints blend pop-culture wit with printmaking’s sharp edges. Look for “It’s Only Make Believe” and “Love for Sale,” where familiar words become bold, colorful declarations. His 2010–2013 prints mix humor and…
