A painted woman with an upside down smile on a yellow/orange background, with two white jugs on the background behind her.

Face Oka

Water makes up most of the human body (pink)

€800

Artwork

Edition of 40

Sold out

Love this work?

Subscribe to get notified about any cancellations and early access on next releases.

Face Oka parodies the classic pin-up with a tongue-in-cheek take on portraiture.

Oka's fondness for vibrant colour is realised in four fluorescent finishes, each drawing focus to the hourglass figure of a doll-like woman. She’s smiling, but only because her simply-drawn face is upside down – suggesting discomfort with her objectification. A pair of jugs contribute to an assembly of visual puns that gradually reveal themselves upon inspection.

A mocking tableau, Water makes up most of the human body embodies Oka's distinctive sense of humour and exploration of overt sexuality.

Join us on Avant Arte Collective on September 15th to be guided through the production process by printmaker Tom. Face Oka will join the event to answer your questions and discuss the edition.

Behind the scenes

Face Oka standing in front of a wall with his paintings

Face Oka4 collaborationsFace Oka translates the world around him into a distinct, comical style. He borrows figures from adverts and cartoons, giving each a solid black outline. Sometimes people are reduced to graphic shapes and colours, while others are painted more realistically. Regardless, everyone is given Oka’s signature smiley face, either the right or wrong way up. Although his work appears digital, he actually paints with acrylic on canvas. Citing manga as an early influence, his comic book style is reminiscent of Pop artists like Roy Lichtenstein, and later Keith Haring. Graffiti and skate culture have a clear impact on his paintings, like the work of skater-turned-artist Mark Gonzales. In 2018, Oka also released a book of paintings, Dear Larry Clark... , based on the photographers’ documentation of skate culture.

Who else should know about this work?

Help us spread the word

Reviews from Avant collectors

Thank you for paying attention to the details and for making even little peope feel grand. 🫶🏻
Review of Guardian
The work is absolutely stunning! The embossing, thick paper, it impressively captures Condo’s oil gestures and overall vibrance…
Review of Lost in Time
10/10 The customer service was great, it didn't take long to receive the package, the shipping was ultra safe and the entire presentation was top tier. Very impressed, cheers!
Review of Guardian Lion
Once again amazing quality print from avant arte. Can't fault you! Looking forward to future drops.
Review of Metropolis print
Everything was great. Thanks!
Review of Out of the Dark
The framing was beautiful and it was the best packaged art piece I have ever received.
Review of March Snowstorm
Extremely happy with the artwork but also the online insight to the production and interview with the artist. The shipping and packaging are very considered and I look forward to seeing ( & buying ) other pieces
Review of Guardian
Great piece, arrived in excellent condition, thanks!
Review of Ringers #962: The LACMA Iterations

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Available

Kour PourSacred Flames (Yoshitoshi)€907

Available

Scott KahnINGERSOLL'S BRANCH€12,000

Draw

Piet Mondrian EstateComposition with Red, Yellow, Black, Blue, and Gray€500Closing in 00d 00h 00m

Draw

Abdulnasser GharemHemisphere€4,000Closing on 25 August