Suit Shopping: An Engraved Narrative: Scenes 3, 4, and 5

2000–2002
(American, b. 1962)
Sheet: 49.4 x 107.4 cm (19 7/16 x 42 5/16 in.); Platemark: 37.8 x 23.3 cm (14 7/8 x 9 3/16 in.)
© Courtesy of the Artist and Mary Ryan Gallery, New York, NY
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location: not on view

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Description

Raftery depicts the habits and mores of average Americans- the ordinary events of modern life-often humorously. "Shopping for a suit is a cultural remnant, it is an event in a man's life," the artist explains. "I was thinking about male vanity." Raftery presents such mundane situations as straightforward, old-fashioned narratives, allowing the story to unfold in a series of related scenes. Engraving is exacting and difficult, so few artists today choose this printmaking method. Raftery, however, has mastered the art of cutting grooves into a copper plate. Since paper currency is printed from metal plates engraved in the same way, he likes the implied connection between the technique and monetary power and authority.
Suit Shopping: An Engraved Narrative: Scenes 3, 4, and 5

Suit Shopping: An Engraved Narrative: Scenes 3, 4, and 5

2000–2002

Andrew Raftery

(American, b. 1962)
America, late 20th-early 21st century

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