Paper Bag (Red)
2023
Variable edition, gelli plate print.
Edition of 50, with 5 artists proofs.
15 cm x 15 cm (image area)
(H) 21cm x 
18.5cm paper size
Block printing ink on acid free cartridge paper.
By it’s nature, the process of printing with gelli plates gives variable results. The marks and colour may vary between each item.
Exhibited
Paper Bag (red) was selected by Cornelia Parker for the Royal Academy Summer show 2024 for the Great Weston Room.
Collections
In the Lanistown Collection – a private collection of modern and contemporary art
About
This ubiquitous, recyclable, striped paper bag has lots of connotations for me. It could be from a sweet shop on the pier or enveloping a postcard from a stationers. It’s classic, iconic and made for everybody. The red and white stripes give a sense of celebration. Like other objects I have used in my work, I have come across it in everyday life. Here, I used layers of ink to mimic the thin layers of translucent paper and to replicate the printed red stripes, building up a thin copy of an already flat object. The bag is factory made so the image makes sense as a multiple.
It is an image not traditionally found on the walls of the Royal Academy. In the context of the Summer show, it added to the story of buying and selling, the gift shop, to the commerce of the event as highlighted by Cornelia Parker in her primary coloured room.
AW. “There can be a lot of hot air in a paper bag!”~
Lucy Newman | Visual artist, UK 