Stealth Bomber I; The Odyssey/Iliad Suite (The Siege of Troy)

image: a print of a collage of saw blades and other pieces of ironmongery shaped to form the broadly triangular shape of a stealth bomber. The print incorporates United States Air Force insignia transfers, as well as an image of the cartoon character Snoopy. There are also two tiny jet fighters encapsulated within circles imprinted in the upper left.

Colin Self is an English artist best known for his prints, drawings and sculpture relating to the threat of nuclear war. He studied at Norwich Art School and the Slade in London, before returning to his native Norwich in 1965. A recurring motif throughout Self's career has been the image of a nuclear bomber, reflecting his concerns for the future of the planet in an age of technologically advanced warfare and complex Cold War politics. 'Stealth Bomber I' is one of a series of prints using this motif and combining themes of modern and ancient history. Self utilises an unusual printing technique involving the inking of metal objects, including saw and knife blades. The print incorporates US Air Force insignia and an image of the cartoon character Snoopy. Whilst the latter adds a wry pop culture reference, the harsh black serrated edges of the aircraft emphasise the inherent aggression of a bomber.

Stealth Bomber I

Colin Self 7/40 2000