Enrique Chagoya’s newest print, Illegal Alien’s Guide to the Concept of Relative Surplus Value, continues his examination of cultural realities and the current economic situation with satire and humor. Using an historical lexicon of ideas, beliefs, and myths, Chagoya’s imagery combines disparate and incongruous elements. Cartoon balloons filled with bewildering and amusing ‘artspeak’ quotes hover above character’s heads, uniting his actors and objects in conversation. In this context the quotes become a surreal and satirical self-criticism.
Illegal Alien’s Guide to the Concept of Relative Surplus Value has been printed in an edition of 30, plus proofs, in thirteen colors from ten plates on handmade Amate paper 15 x 80 inches. It is presented as an accordion folded book.