The Taper
Boris Artzybasheff
Date Unknown
The Taper by Boris Artzybasheff showcases the artist's distinctive approach to merging surrealism and machinery. Artzybasheff, a Russian-American illustrator, is known for his imaginative and often mechanized depictions of human forms and objects. The Taper is a perfect example of his ability to blend the organic with the mechanical, reflecting his broader exploration of industrial design and its intersection with human experience.
Artzybasheff's work appeared in major publications such as The New Yorker, Time, and Fortune, where his illustrations of anthropomorphic machines and intricate conceptual designs became highly influential in the mid-20th century. This particular piece draws on his fascination with the surrealist aesthetic, where everyday objects, like the taper (a tool used to shape or adjust), take on an otherworldly presence. It reflects a moment in the early to mid-20th century when artists were grappling with the increasing mechanization of society.
Archival matte paper, 11"x17" untrimmed
Reproduction of the original artwork
Suitable for framing
Carefully packaged and shipped flat
Where industrial innovation meets surrealist art—inviting both reflection and intrigue.
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