Prologue

2022 May. A vast number of silkscreen works from 2015, several different types and hundreds of pieces, were found in a warehouse of artist Jamie Reid in Liverpool, UK.

It was once a printed Queen designed by Jamie Reid for the SEX PISTOLS song 'GOD SAVE THE QUEEN'.

In 2015, Jamie was at a point in his career where he was keen to create, but he also didn't want to release any more Queen-inspired work into the world, and after much consideration, he decided not to release the work and it was stored in a warehouse.

Seven years later, in May 2022, the work was discovered, and six months later, in November, Jamie had a change of heart and decided to bring it out into the world.

However, Jamie's manager, John Marchant, thought it would be "uninteresting to just put it out there", and after discussions with his Japanese management company, came up with the idea: "What if we use the prints to collaborate with other artists?" The idea came to Jamie.He immediately talked to Jamie about it and he said, "Sounds interesting!” he was able to get a positive response.

 

With an eye on the commercially successful Japanese market, we immediately contacted Kosuke Kawamura, an artist who revered music and, by extension, art, to direct these works, and this plan was launched.

In the midst of the planning process, there was the tragic news of Jamie Reid's death, but following the wishes of the artist before his death, the Japanese team, led by Kosuke Kawamura, set up an organisation called 'ARCOVA JAPAN' and steadily proceeded with the preparations.

Handwritten by Jamie Reid

ARCOVA is a coined term combining ANARCHY, COMPASSION and VICTORY, which Jamie advocated, and refers to what lies beyond ANARCHY, the future.

ARCOVA JAPAN will present Jamie Reid's valuable archive works, as well as collaborations with contemporary artists, his last wish before his death, to connect his achievements to the future.

And part of the proceeds from the sales of works presented from there will be used as a donation for 'peace', at Jamie's own request.

ARCOVA JAPAN launches on 28 February. As a first step, 40 collaborative works with artist Kosuke Kawamura, who also acts as director, and 15 archive works will be presented. Please look forward to it.