About the artwork
Parra's 2012 work The One That Got Away is an archival pigment print, of which this copy is number 34 in an edition of 50. True to the artist's singular visual universe, the composition is characterized by simple forms, thick contours and a palette of bright, contrasting colors. The scene depicts a stylized space where a dolphin seems to be escaping, while an empty chair occupies the foreground, all accompanied by the enigmatic text that gives the work its title. The image strikes a balance between implicit narration and abstraction, leaving the viewer free to interpret the situation. The graphic aesthetic, akin to illustration and design, is immediately recognizable, giving the work a strong visual identity.
Expert opinion
This work is fully in line with Parra's approach, which explores scenes that are at once absurd, poetic and slightly melancholy through a refined visual language. The use of text integrated into the image reinforces the narrative dimension, while leaving an element of ambiguity characteristic of his work. Parra's archival pigment prints are appreciated for their quality of execution and color fidelity, essential to his graphic universe. The One That Got Away stands out for its immediate visual impact and the subtlety of its message, oscillating between humor and nostalgia. It is an accessible yet assertive work, relevant for collectors sensitive to the crossroads between contemporary art, illustration and visual culture.
About the artist
Born in 1976 in Maastricht, and based in Amsterdam, Pieter Janssen, aka Parra, is a Dutch artist, illustrator and designer. Self-taught, he first made a name for himself in the 2000s with his dynamic illustrations and concert posters. He quickly developed a highly personal visual style, recognizable by his sinuous figures, sharp color palettes and surreal compositions. He draws his heritage from Pop Art and the experimental graphics of the 60s. Parra navigates between art, fashion and music. He is also co-founder of the By Parra brand and a member of the electronic group Le Le. His work has been exhibited in numerous international galleries, including Jonathan LeVine Gallery (New York), Ruttkowski;68 (Cologne) and SF MOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art).
Additional info
Signed
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