Limited Edition Releases -
Limited Edition by Johnny Blanco
An edition is a copy or replica of a work of art made from a master. It commonly refers to a series of identical impressions or prints made from the same printing surface, but can also be applied to series of other media such as sculpture, photography and video
Limited Editions
Since the late nineteenth century the number of prints produced from a single plate or printing surface has usually been restricted and declared as a ‘limited edition’. Before this prints were often produced in as many numbers as the process would allow (open edition). Modern artists’ prints are usually limited to a specified number, anything between 2 and 1000 or more. Sometimes the quantity is dictated by the process – the plate wears out – but more commonly it is restricted by the artist or publisher, in which case the printing surface is usually destroyed.
Editioned prints are usually signed and numbered by the artist. An edition of twenty-five will be numbered 1/25, 2/25, etc. These are usually accompanied by a number of proof prints, identical to the edition; those produced for artist are marked ‘AP’ (artist’s proof), those for the printer or publisher ‘PP’ (printer’s proof). A number of working proofs may also be made. ‘Bon à tirer’ (good to print) proofs provide a standard to guide the printer.
Curtis Kulig signing his Limited Edition "Untitled" in silver on black
In the above photo you can see Curtis Kulig signing the back of his Limited Edition "Untitled" in Silver. Curtis has chosen to sign and number this Limited Edition on the back. This is called "Reverso" allowing the artwork to be framed as if it were an original. This edition of 100 is a One-color metallic ink silkscreen printed on black Stonehenge; 100% archival paper. Curtis is best know for his signature "Love Me" graffiti in New York City.
Johnny Blanco embosses the corner of his limited editions and includes a Certificate of Authenticity
"I love that Limited Editions can offer a lower cost alternative to Originals".
- Johnny Blanco
Other media
Sculptures which are cast, made from found objects, or machine-manufactured; photography; film or video and artist books all lend themselves to editions as the processes used to make them allow for copies to be made relatively easily. Editions are usually produced after the original master artwork and made in batches of a set size. They are often signed or sanctioned by the artist, though can also be produced after the artist’s death by their estate.
Examples of Limited Edition sculptures in Tate’s collection include Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain 1917, replica 1964 (the replica is signed by the artist, and the artist’s signature is also etched onto a copper plate attached to the base of the sculpture); and Edgar Degas’s Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, 1880–1, cast c.1922, which was produced as an edition by the artist’s estate after his death.
Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain 1917, replica 1964.
As mentioned above there is a practice of an Artist Estate re-releasing an artwork or a limited edition or open edition These released after death pieces usually contain a seal in the lower left or right corner, which reads “Authorized by the Estate” as seen below:
Example of Keith Haring and Andy Warhol Artist Estate stamps.
Of course, these later reproductions are not “fake” per say – they are just not collector material. They are produced after the artist death, by other people than the artist themself. As such, their value is very limited. At time of writing, I see these later reproduction prints and posters go for anywhere from $100-400. This price span is quite interesting, as King & McGaw, a licensed publisher of many of them, sells them online for $120.
Overall, these prints are very decorative and make for a great starting point for a budding aficionado, but you cannot expect them to appreciate greatly in value.
"My recommendation is to collect what you love".
- Johnny Blanco
A limited Edition is a great way to collect a piece of art that you enjoy and support a living Artist.
*Forget about what everyone else says (including me) and use art to express who you are.
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