Artwork
Umit Cinema
Umit Cinema is a print by Richard Roberts. It dates from 2012 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Umit Cinema is a 2012 screenprint by Richard Roberts depicting a dual-identity London corner shop. The artwork captures the establishment's transformation from 'Umit & Son Store' to 'Umit Cinema', as revealed through its signage.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a closed corner shop with a faded 'Umit & Son Store' sign, including an outdated 0181 telephone number, and a secondary 'Umit Cinema' sign visible through window blinds. This juxtaposition highlights the site's former dual use and current state of inactivity.
Technique & Style
The screenprint features muted colors, emphasizing peeling paint, greenish trim, and a worn brick backdrop. The metal shutter's textured, stacked-slat design adds an industrial feel, while the overall aesthetic conveys a sense of neglect and nostalgia.
History & Provenance
The print is signed, titled, and numbered by Richard Roberts (2012). Provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
The outdated 0181 phone number and the shop's condition suggest the artwork captures a moment of transition or decline, possibly reflecting broader changes in London's urban landscape around the time of its creation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Richard Roberts makes small, repeatable images: screen prints of London corners like Brick Lane and Umit Cinema, and everyday things like Extra Chilli Sauce.
