Jim Dine The Woodcut Self with Hand Coloring 1991 Signed Edition of 15

Artist: Jim Dine
Title: The Woodcut Self
Medium: Woodcut with Hand Coloring on Wove Paper
Sheet size: 41-1/2" x 33"
Edition: 15/15
Inscription: Signed, numbered, and dated in pencil lower left
Year: 1991
Documentation: Gallery certificate of authenticity

Jim Dine's The Woodcut Self (1991) is a striking exploration of personal symbolism and emotional resonance. Executed as a woodcut with hand coloring on wove paper, this work demonstrates Dine's mastery in blending traditional printmaking techniques with expressive, painterly gestures. Measuring 41.5 by 33 inches, the piece is part of an intimate edition of only 15, underscoring its rarity and collectible nature. The artwork is signed, numbered, and dated in pencil in the lower left, accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity.

At the heart of The Woodcut Self is a large, vividly colored blue heart—a recurring and iconic motif in Dine's oeuvre. The heart, rendered with bold, textured strokes, dominates the composition and serves as a metaphor for the artist's vulnerability and inner life. Its intense blue hue contrasts dramatically with the dark red background, creating a dynamic interplay of color that heightens the emotional weight of the piece.

Adding a layer of mystery and introspection, a single off-center eye is embedded within the heart. This element evokes themes of self-awareness and observation, suggesting that the heart is not merely a symbol of feeling but also a window into the soul. The composition's asymmetry and raw, textured surface reflect the physicality of the woodcut process, imbuing the piece with a tactile and visceral quality.

This piece is currently not framed. The photo showing the frame is a mockup of a frame and what it would look like framed. If you would like the piece framed we can work with our local framer at our discounted price to pick out the perfect frame for your home.

The Woodcut Self exemplifies Jim Dine's ability to fuse personal iconography with universal themes of love, identity, and perception. The inclusion of hand coloring adds a unique, individual touch to this editioned work, making each impression a singular expression of the artist's vision. With its bold imagery and layered symbolism, this piece invites viewers into an intimate dialogue with the artist's inner world while resonating with universal human experiences.

About Jim Dine

Jim Dine, born on June 16, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a celebrated American artist and poet, renowned for his influential role in the development of Performance Art and Pop Art. Known for his recurring use of motifs such as tools, heart shapes, bathrobes, and the character Pinocchio, Dine's works span colorful paintings, photographs, prints, and sculptures. Reflecting on his connection to tools, he once remarked, “I grew up with tools. I came from a family of people who sold tools, and I've always been enchanted by these objects made by anonymous hands."

Dine began his artistic journey by studying poetry at the University of Cincinnati before earning his BFA from Ohio University in 1957. In 1958, he moved to New York City, where he became part of a dynamic artistic community that included Allan Kaprow and Claes Oldenburg. During this time, he participated in groundbreaking performance pieces known as "Happenings," which blended theatrical elements with art. By the early 1960s, Dine shifted his focus to painting, incorporating popular imagery and commercial objects. While his work was often exhibited alongside Pop Art pioneers like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, Dine distanced himself from the label, emphasizing his more personal and expressive approach to art.

Throughout his career, Dine's work has been celebrated for its vibrant exploration of themes like memory, identity, and craftsmanship. His creations can be found in major institutions worldwide, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, and the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.

Today, Dine splits his time between New York City and Walla Walla, Washington, continuing to create and inspire as one of contemporary art's most enduring figures.