Renowned London-based artist Illuminati Neon – also known as Mark Sloper – is celebrating the legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II with his eponymous ‘Elizabeth’ work, set to be displayed within Castle Fine Art Galleries nationwide. Offering a vibrant blend of colours and Illuminati Neon’s signature punk-aesthetic, Sloper created this latest piece to “remember the Queen’s beautiful smile and garners memories of happy times”.
The limited edition piece features a bright colour palette and traditional punk elements, with unique embellishments including a bejewelled nose ring, necklace and tattoo, and is framed in a suitably majestic gold baroque style. Studded with gems, Sloper’s unique approach creates a multi-dimensional level of depth, colour, and texture. What’s more, the pieces are printed onto aluminium – a first for his works for Castle Fine Art – really bringing the rock-inspired ‘heavy metal’ ethos to life.
The late monarch has frequently been Mark’s muse: Queen Elizabeth II has been a recurring feature in a number of Illuminati Neon’s previous works, reportedly gaining royal approval from Her Majesty herself.
Much like his latest piece, Sloper’s previous hand-embellished canvasses are heavily influenced by the English artist and anarchist Jamie Reid, whose controversial ‘God Save the Queen’ album artwork for the Sex Pistols was infamously based on Cecil Beaton’s Silver Jubilee portrait.
Commenting on the new piece, Mark says:
“My art punk Queens are beautifully constructed with sparkling jewels, newspaper headlines; the fabulous Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II looks splendid and regal, whilst of course retaining a little punky attitude.”
‘Elizabeth’ features 295 limited-edition pieces, and £100 of each sale from will be donated to the British Red Cross. Having been a patron of the British Red Cross since 1949, when Queen Elizabeth II first became Patron of the British Junior Red Cross whilst still a ‘Princess’, Castle Fine Art’s charitable pledges hold momentous sentimental value and provides a fitting tribute to the late Queen’s legacy of over seven decades. Prior to her passing, Her Majesty praised the charity’s extensive work during the Covid pandemic, commending the British Red Cross staff and volunteers’ selfless work.
Ian Weatherby-Blythe, Managing Director at Castle Fine Art, is thrilled to welcome ‘Elizabeth’ to the galleries. He comments:
“It’s fantastic to have Illuminati Neon’s latest works at Castle Fine Art, fresh from its Saatchi debut. The vibrance, sparkle, and playfulness make these pieces particularly mesmerising, and presents Her Majesty both sensitively and sentimentally. Mark’s works have always been a firm favourite of our clients and with the emotiveness of this latest piece being a tribute to the late Queen, I am certain ‘Elizabeth’ will hold a very special place in many collectors’ hearts.”
Illuminati Neon’s ‘Elizabeth’ is available as hand-embellished giclées on aluminium and are 30″ x 40″ framed size. The limited edition features 295 pieces and each is priced at £1,450.
