Dark Hall Mansion is proud to release Gabz’s fantastical vision of a peaceful yet creatively unbound Jimi Hendrix. With nod to one of Jimi’s most extraordinary songs, ‘Voodoo Child (Slight Return),’ a gorgeous and ferocious showcasing of Jimi’s unequaled talents, Gabz perfectly captured Jimi’s perpetually dual nature, of here and of another place, through two masterful prints that harken to the best of vintage Polish rock poster art of the late ’60s and early ’70s. We explained DHM’s admiration for this period and style to Gabz and he was instantly familiar and drawn to its aesthetic having deep personal experience and background as a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan, Poland.
Artist Gabz on Jimi and his approach:
“When DHM got in touch with me, I was excited for the opportunity to work on a print for a music artist for a change, especially as great as Jimi, who well deserves his spot in the pantheon of music. DHM had a specific vision for this piece and I couldn’t be happier when they proposed it should be influenced by Polish Poster School, which I’m clearly a fan off. I tried to implement some of the Polish Poster School ideas into my work before, (those who follow my work should be able to spot at least two posters I hope), but it was the first time I have been asked specifically to deliver something in that mood and manner, so to speak. Waldemar Świerzy is amongst my favourite poster artists of all time, so I studied his Jimi Hendrix portraits among his other posters and they inspired me greatly. I wanted something similar in terms of simplification and use of colour. I went with only very little lines, almost no details and very iconic and vibrant look of Jimi. My main idea was to make him the way as if he is becoming the music he’s playing…”
Gabz’s vision for his Jimi print, a bold evocative rock portrait with rich lines, vibrant colors and delicate line work, at once evocative of classic Polish poster art and the best of black light posters that so dominated the walls and bedrooms of countless rock fans everywhere. Gabz’s Standard edition captures Jimi’s ethereal nature, seemingly endless creative waves emanate from his mind, hearing sounds only he could hear, guitar strap hinting at his ready axe. Gabz’s Variant an electrified beauty, distills Jimi to his essence and underscores Gabz’s striking line work, a simple strike of Jimi’s signature completing a piece that begs for black light showcasing.
You can order the prints HERE.
Jimi Hendrix, Voodoo Child Standard Edition of 280 $65
Jimi Hendrix, Voodoo Child Variant Edition of 50 (with metallic ink highlights) $100
Jimi Hendrix, Voodoo Child Foil Edition of 10 (based on the Standard edition colorway) $150
Jimi Hendrix, Voodoo Child Foil Edition of 10 (based on the Variant edition colorway) $150