Trafford Parsons: Rebel Rebel
Rebel Rebel” Leia – edition of 100 fan art style
Hand Finished Silkscreen Print print on 300g paper.
From the REBEL REBEL exhibition running at Zapato until January 2025.
70cm X 50cm
LIMITED EDITION of 100 prints, numbered & signed.
Hand printed silk screen print on 300g cartridge paper.
Trafford Parsons' print "Rebel Rebel" is a striking fusion of two iconic figures from vastly different but equally influential realms of pop culture: Princess Leia from "Star Wars" and David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane persona. This artwork beautifully marries both icons' rebellious spirit and pioneering nature, creating a piece that resonates on multiple levels. At first glance, "Rebel Rebel" captures attention with its bold imagery. Princess Leia, portrayed in her distinctive buns, is instantly recognisable. However, Trafford adds an unexpected twist by incorporating Bowie’s signature lightning bolt makeup from his Aladdin Sane album cover. This combination highlights the visual similarities between these two space icons and underscores their cultural significance and shared themes of rebellion and resistance. Trafford's choice of subjects is particularly poignant. Princess Leia, played by Carrie Fisher, is a symbol of strength, leadership, and defiance against tyranny. Her character in "Star Wars" breaks away from the traditional damsel in distress trope, instead embodying a fearless leader who fights for freedom. Similarly, David Bowie, with his avant-garde music and personas, including Aladdin Sane, pushed the boundaries of conventionality. Bowie’s lightning bolt makeup represents his boldness and willingness to challenge societal norms, much like Leia’s role in the fight against the Empire. In "Rebel Rebel," the lightning bolt across Leia’s face does more than just blend two images; it merges their legacies of defiance and transformation. The print suggests a narrative where the strength of a princess meets the audacity of a rock star. It’s a tribute to the idea that rebellion and resistance can come in many forms, whether through music, film, or personal courage. The execution of the print is masterful. Trafford's attention to detail ensures that both Leia’s serene yet determined expression and Bowie’s dramatic flair are preserved. The contrast of the stark black and white of the Leia image against the vibrant red and blue of the lightning bolt creates a visual dynamism that draws the viewer in. The blending of these two distinct styles showcases Trafford's skill in creating a cohesive yet complex image. "Rebel Rebel" also speaks to the enduring influence of both Bowie and Leia. Despite originating from different galaxies of entertainment, both figures have left indelible marks on popular culture. Bowie’s music and personas continue to inspire new generations of artists, while Leia’s legacy as a powerful female character endures in the ever-expanding "Star Wars" universe. By combining these two icons, Trafford Parsons not only honours their contributions but also invites viewers to reflect on the broader themes of resistance, identity, and the power of art to challenge the status quo. "Rebel Rebel" is a celebration of two rebels who, in their own ways, taught us to reach for the stars and dare to be different. This print, like the figures it portrays, stands as a beacon of inspiration and a reminder of the transformative power of rebellion.
Rebel Rebel” Leia – edition of 100 fan art style
Hand Finished Silkscreen Print print on 300g paper.
From the REBEL REBEL exhibition running at Zapato until January 2025.
70cm X 50cm
LIMITED EDITION of 100 prints, numbered & signed.
Hand printed silk screen print on 300g cartridge paper.
Trafford Parsons' print "Rebel Rebel" is a striking fusion of two iconic figures from vastly different but equally influential realms of pop culture: Princess Leia from "Star Wars" and David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane persona. This artwork beautifully marries both icons' rebellious spirit and pioneering nature, creating a piece that resonates on multiple levels. At first glance, "Rebel Rebel" captures attention with its bold imagery. Princess Leia, portrayed in her distinctive buns, is instantly recognisable. However, Trafford adds an unexpected twist by incorporating Bowie’s signature lightning bolt makeup from his Aladdin Sane album cover. This combination highlights the visual similarities between these two space icons and underscores their cultural significance and shared themes of rebellion and resistance. Trafford's choice of subjects is particularly poignant. Princess Leia, played by Carrie Fisher, is a symbol of strength, leadership, and defiance against tyranny. Her character in "Star Wars" breaks away from the traditional damsel in distress trope, instead embodying a fearless leader who fights for freedom. Similarly, David Bowie, with his avant-garde music and personas, including Aladdin Sane, pushed the boundaries of conventionality. Bowie’s lightning bolt makeup represents his boldness and willingness to challenge societal norms, much like Leia’s role in the fight against the Empire. In "Rebel Rebel," the lightning bolt across Leia’s face does more than just blend two images; it merges their legacies of defiance and transformation. The print suggests a narrative where the strength of a princess meets the audacity of a rock star. It’s a tribute to the idea that rebellion and resistance can come in many forms, whether through music, film, or personal courage. The execution of the print is masterful. Trafford's attention to detail ensures that both Leia’s serene yet determined expression and Bowie’s dramatic flair are preserved. The contrast of the stark black and white of the Leia image against the vibrant red and blue of the lightning bolt creates a visual dynamism that draws the viewer in. The blending of these two distinct styles showcases Trafford's skill in creating a cohesive yet complex image. "Rebel Rebel" also speaks to the enduring influence of both Bowie and Leia. Despite originating from different galaxies of entertainment, both figures have left indelible marks on popular culture. Bowie’s music and personas continue to inspire new generations of artists, while Leia’s legacy as a powerful female character endures in the ever-expanding "Star Wars" universe. By combining these two icons, Trafford Parsons not only honours their contributions but also invites viewers to reflect on the broader themes of resistance, identity, and the power of art to challenge the status quo. "Rebel Rebel" is a celebration of two rebels who, in their own ways, taught us to reach for the stars and dare to be different. This print, like the figures it portrays, stands as a beacon of inspiration and a reminder of the transformative power of rebellion.
Rebel Rebel” Leia – edition of 100 fan art style
Hand Finished Silkscreen Print print on 300g paper.
From the REBEL REBEL exhibition running at Zapato until January 2025.
70cm X 50cm
LIMITED EDITION of 100 prints, numbered & signed.
Hand printed silk screen print on 300g cartridge paper.
Trafford Parsons' print "Rebel Rebel" is a striking fusion of two iconic figures from vastly different but equally influential realms of pop culture: Princess Leia from "Star Wars" and David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane persona. This artwork beautifully marries both icons' rebellious spirit and pioneering nature, creating a piece that resonates on multiple levels. At first glance, "Rebel Rebel" captures attention with its bold imagery. Princess Leia, portrayed in her distinctive buns, is instantly recognisable. However, Trafford adds an unexpected twist by incorporating Bowie’s signature lightning bolt makeup from his Aladdin Sane album cover. This combination highlights the visual similarities between these two space icons and underscores their cultural significance and shared themes of rebellion and resistance. Trafford's choice of subjects is particularly poignant. Princess Leia, played by Carrie Fisher, is a symbol of strength, leadership, and defiance against tyranny. Her character in "Star Wars" breaks away from the traditional damsel in distress trope, instead embodying a fearless leader who fights for freedom. Similarly, David Bowie, with his avant-garde music and personas, including Aladdin Sane, pushed the boundaries of conventionality. Bowie’s lightning bolt makeup represents his boldness and willingness to challenge societal norms, much like Leia’s role in the fight against the Empire. In "Rebel Rebel," the lightning bolt across Leia’s face does more than just blend two images; it merges their legacies of defiance and transformation. The print suggests a narrative where the strength of a princess meets the audacity of a rock star. It’s a tribute to the idea that rebellion and resistance can come in many forms, whether through music, film, or personal courage. The execution of the print is masterful. Trafford's attention to detail ensures that both Leia’s serene yet determined expression and Bowie’s dramatic flair are preserved. The contrast of the stark black and white of the Leia image against the vibrant red and blue of the lightning bolt creates a visual dynamism that draws the viewer in. The blending of these two distinct styles showcases Trafford's skill in creating a cohesive yet complex image. "Rebel Rebel" also speaks to the enduring influence of both Bowie and Leia. Despite originating from different galaxies of entertainment, both figures have left indelible marks on popular culture. Bowie’s music and personas continue to inspire new generations of artists, while Leia’s legacy as a powerful female character endures in the ever-expanding "Star Wars" universe. By combining these two icons, Trafford Parsons not only honours their contributions but also invites viewers to reflect on the broader themes of resistance, identity, and the power of art to challenge the status quo. "Rebel Rebel" is a celebration of two rebels who, in their own ways, taught us to reach for the stars and dare to be different. This print, like the figures it portrays, stands as a beacon of inspiration and a reminder of the transformative power of rebellion.
