The Giant Squirrel on the Garage
Work on paper; illustration • Brooklyn Aragon (as signed in lower right corner).
Style & Movement
Contemporary illustrative realism with Surrealist or Fantasy elements; reminiscent of graphic novel or storybook art.
Medium & Technique
Mixed media including watercolor, ink, and colored pencil on paper; employs fine-line hatching and illustrative wash techniques.
Creation Period
Dated February 16, 2021 (2021-02-16) per inscription.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches; vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A surreal scene depicting a disproportionately large squirrel crouching on the roof of a suburban garage, holding a small object (possibly a snack wrapper) in its paws. A small dog watches from a backyard with stepping stones, while a 'United Door & Dock' service van is parked nearby. The composition uses a high-angle perspective looking down into a residential space.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the paper shows visible rippling (cockling) due to moisture from the watercolor application and is currently held by a clip on a backing board.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 (representative of contemporary student or emerging illustrator work).
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150.
Provenance History
Likely remains with the artist or a private collector; signed and dated 'Brooklyn Aragon 2-16-2021' in the bottom right corner.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of modern narrative illustration that blends everyday suburban life with fantastical 'kaiju-like' scale shifts. It reflects contemporary interest in urban wildlife and domestic surrealism.
Notable Features
Includes a specific corporate reference ('United Door & Dock') on the van; the signature and date are clearly integrated into the bottom right margin; detailed textural work on the squirrel's fur contrasted with the geometric pattern of the brickwork.
Condition Issues
Visible paper cockling/buckling throughout the sheet; slight curling at the corners; no significant foxing or pigment loss noted.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend professional flattening and archival mounting; frame under UV-protective glass to prevent fading of the watercolor and colored pencil pigments.