Howard Arkley’s Zappo Head is one of the artist’s most recognisable and enduring images, conceived as a kind of alter ego and recurring self-portrait. First developed in the 1980s, the psychedelic, mask-like face became a defining motif within Arkley’s practice, sitting at the intersection of popular culture, graphic design and fine art.

This unusual enamelled metal badge translates the iconic image into a small, tactile object, capturing Arkley’s instinct for taking imagery beyond the traditional picture plane. Its association with Arkley’s landmark 1991 survey exhibition at Monash University adds particular interest: Zappo Head was central to the visual language surrounding the exhibition, with a variation of the motif appearing on the catalogue cover.

Playful, highly graphic and wonderfully unexpected, the badge is a rare example of Arkley’s Zappo Head conceived as an object rather than a conventional work on paper or canvas — an especially appealing piece for collectors interested in the artist’s more experimental relationship with popular culture and design.

Howard ARKLEY (1951 - 1999)
'Zappo Head Badge' 1991
Enamel on metal badge
Image Size: 6 x 6 cm
Dimensions: 39 x 34 x 4 cm
Comes with Letter of Provenance
Condition:Very Good: Describes a work of art's image as Excellent, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear to paper or frame. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to the paint surface.
(c) The Artist or Assignee