Gold Art
Gold has carried meaning across cultures for thousands of years. It's been used to represent the sacred, the eternal, the divine, and the things we choose to value most deeply.
In David Roman’s work, the gold is part of an ongoing exploration of human worth in a time when our value is being reduced to data extraction and productvity. Through a combination of traditional gilding methods, genuine gold leaf, contemporary materials, and hand-crafted surfaces, these works bring ancient symbols and techniques into conversation with contemporary life.
Each piece can be acquired directly from the studio, shipping to collectors worldwide.
The artist behind the work
David Roman is an independent artist working from his studio in Birmingham, UK. His paintings are built on intricate surfaces of hand-engraved and embossed detail, gilded with genuine gold leaf, addressing contemporary questions around consciousness and what gets lost when human experience is reduced to data.
The human figure runs through everything he makes, never quite solid, constructed from pattern and on the edge of dissolution.
Roman uses ancient craft as a deliberate counterposition to a culture that has made speed and data the measure of everything. His work is collected internationally, and collectors engage directly with the studio.
Questions about original art
Gold leaf art has a unique visual presence that changes depending on the light, viewing angle, and surrounding environment. Beyond its appearance, collectors are drawn to gold because of its long cultural history and symbolic associations with value and permanence.
Collectors are often drawn to gilded art because it combines visual richness with a sense of craftsmanship and material depth. The reflective qualities of gilded surfaces create an experience that changes throughout the day, while the gold adds symbolic and historical layers to a work.
When considering gold paintings, it's important to know what carat gold the artist used in the piece. 24ct hold is pure gold, each carat below it contains slightly more alloy mix, which is the part that oxidises over time. 22ct gold and higher remain mostly unchanged without protection, but below that, the gold will need to be sealed. It's good to know if the painting has been sealed to ensure a long life.
Black and gold art creates a striking visual contrast that can feel both contemporary and timeless. The depth of black often enhances the reflective qualities of gold, allowing details, textures, and patterns to emerge more clearly.
Gold art prints can be a great option for collectors who connect with an image but are not looking for an original piece. Depending on the printing method and materials used, prints can retain much of the visual character of the original work while offering a more accessible entry point into an artist’s practice.