HARLAND MILLER, DEATH WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?, PENGUIN PRINTS, SIGNED SCREEN PRINT, EDITION OF 50, 2011
Harland Miller’s print, Death What's In It For Me?, is based on his series of paintings inspired by the iconic dust jackets of Penguin books. It was first in 2001 that the artist set out to humorously appropriate the familiar format of these publications. In doing so, Miller ultimately merged the conventions of painting with the possibilities of language.
Miller is evidently influenced by Pop art, figurative art and abstraction in this print. However, in line with the spirit of Penguin books, Miller’s titles are characterised by universally recognizable narratives, seasoned with a touch of tragi-comedy. Another example of this direct and sardonic literary style can be noted in the work, You Can Rely On Me I’ll Always Let You Down.
The artist captures perfectly the three dimensionality of the object on canvas, but attributes the text in the middle greater significance in communicating his message. Furthermore, Miller’s conscious choice of colouring grants the words a sense of levity, demythologising and softening their impact. Accordingly, the cerise and white design allows for a relaxed discussion around the topic of the afterlife, making Death What's In It For Me? more accessible for the public.
Read more about Penguin prints by Harland Miller.
ABOUT HARLAND MILLER
Harland Miller is a British writer and artist, born in Yorkshire in 1964, best known for producing a series of paintings based on Penguin book covers, including International Lonely Guy and Fuck Art Let’s Dance. Miller’s work explores the relationship between words and images. His paintings, sculptures and mix-media artworks combine the two to comment on the frequent disconnect between representation and reality. Learn more about Harland Miller.
