Household Encyclopedia
Limited edition print / Mixed media collage on paper • Martín Garcia (attributed based on the signature in the lower left corner)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Pop Art / Neo-Surrealism / Collage
Medium & Technique
Screenprint or lithograph with hand-finished collage elements; utilizes halftone patterns, graphic overlay, and appropriation of commercial illustration
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (c. 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (estimated standard sheet size); vertical portrait orientation
Subject Description
A satirical or subverted take on domesticity featuring women wielding cleaning supplies (vacuum, bucket, broom) as if they were weapons or heroic tools. The composition is framed by Masonic-like imagery at the top (disembodied hands with compasses and a star seal) and an architectural arch with the text 'HOUSEHOLD ENCYCLOPEDIA', playing with themes of domestic labor, secret societies, and instructional hierarchies.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the print is well-preserved under glass with sharp margins and no visible fading of the vibrant pigments.
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,200
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800
Provenance History
Numbered edition (4/20) in the lower right; likely acquired from a contemporary gallery or artist direct sale. No secondary labels or stamps visible through the frame.
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the legacy of Pop Art and the 1980s-90s 'Pictures Generation' influence, where artists re-contextualized 1950s commercial aesthetics to critique societal structures of gender and labor. The small edition size indicates high rarity and collectible value within the artist's niche.
Notable Features
Distinctive cross-hatched color blocks in the figures; prominent 4/20 edition numbering; unique juxtaposition of domestic 'industrial' imagery with occult/architectural iconography.
Condition Issues
None visible; minor surface glares from the glazing but the paper appears flat with no foxing or acid burning.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective glass and acid-free matting. Keep away from direct sunlight and areas of high humidity to prevent paper warping.