Remnant 169 by Matty Rocket, 2025 Original, signed artwork 18 x 24 Acrylic on hand-stretched, gallery-wrapped canvas with a 1.5" depth
This painting is part of a Tiki Portrait Series, in which each work presents a tightly cropped view of a Polynesian pop icon inspired by the history of tiki culture. The use of strong linear elements and a flowing composition give each piece a distinctly modern, abstract feel.
It is based on a photograph I took of a tiki from the Cook Islands, currently on display at the British Museum in London. This same tiki also appears in the pages of Oceanic Art. The color palette is designed to complement the rich, warm brown tones often found in traditional tiki rooms and bars.
Along the edges of the canvas, a hand-painted Polynesian-inspired pattern wraps around the piece, adding an extra layer of detail and tying it back to its cultural roots.
The work is titled “Remnant 169,” a nod to both the origins of tiki culture and the museum’s catalog number for the artifact.
Please note that photos may not accurately reflect the scale of the work. The painting measures 18 x 24 x 1.5 inches.
