Brad Novak

“My latest edition ‘Say Cheese 1.6 (A)’ is an example of me indulging a passion that began in childhood. Those who know me well understand I’m a geek before all else. Growing up in a family with 4 boys in the 80’s sealed my fate. I’d hate to think of how many times we watched the original Star Wars trilogy back then. Best of all was episode 5 (the middle movie), the greatest sequel of all time, and my favourite movie ever… The Empire Strikes Back. It’s darker than the first one, there’s a snow planet, Yoda seems crazy at first, sexual tension between Leia and Han, Luke steps up, Han gets frozen in carbonite, Boba Fett is introduced, the ‘goodies’ lose!!!

The scene depicted in this painting comes just as Luke prematurely leaves Yoda’s training to try to rescue his friends. Not long after this first lightsaber duel Darth Vader tells Luke he is his father. Bombshell of all Bombshells.

I was too young to see Empire at the movies but can only imagine the shock from fans. Was it true or was Vader lying to Luke? Back then people had to wait 3 years for the next movie to find out!

I’ve captured this moment of suspense as Luke confronts Vader for the first time.

A major theme in my work for over a decade has been my self-titled ‘Digital Dilemma’. I’m sure the move to a more technological future is hurting us in many ways. None more so than social media (ironic as I utilise the platform in my art career) – selfies, seeking others approval, disconnecting from what really matters (what we think of ourselves).

Here these two Stormtroopers can’t believe their luck. Vader is gonna kick this little Rebel Punk’s butt… “Quick take a pic for our Instagram!”

I worked on this edition, and the associated unique pieces, for over a month with the team at Artrite Screen-printing in Auckland, who have my thanks as always for their expertise.

May the force be with you… ”

– Brad Novak

Paper Size: 545 x 1000 mm
Limited edition of: 20

This print is numbered, titled, and signed by the artist in pencil. Limited edition 8-layer screen-print on white Fabriano paper (300gsm).

Brad Novak is a New Zealand-based urban pop artist whose work sits sharply at the nexus between fine art and street art. Under the moniker ‘New Blood Pop’ he is showing internationally through galleries in the US, Canada, the UK and New Zealand with work in the collection of celebrities such as famed director Quentin Tarantino. As well as his trailblazing art career he is still practicing as a medical doctor and in doing so continues to push boundaries in more ways than one.

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