Sam Francis

Untitled, 1984

106.7 X 73 inch

What is authenticity?

What is authenticity?

Authenticity refers to the qualities that define an original artwork as genuine, created by the artist under the original circumstances. A reproduction lacks authenticity because it was not made by the original artist and does not share the same context or creation process. The authenticity of an original artwork can be questioned when reproductions exist, which can diminish its value. Authenticity is often established through provenance, expert analysis, and documentation, ensuring the artwork's originality.

Limited Edition Print

A limited edition print is one of a number of prints made at the same time from one printmaking plate. A fixed number are made and signed by the artist, indicating the printing order, using the format 1/10, meaning first of ten prints.

Gutai

Gutai was a group of Japanese radical artists who formed the Gutai Art Association in 1954. The word Gutai translates to embodiment. The group was known for creating art on the spot for live audiences, often incorporating their own physical movements. Their performances included actions like throwing paint, piercing paper, and rolling in mud, emphasizing the direct interaction between the body and the material.

Monotype

Monotype is a printmaking technique where an image is painted or drawn on a nonabsorbent, smooth surface, traditionally an etching plate of copper, but now also acrylic, zinc, or glass. The image is then transferred to paper using a printing press, creating a unique print. The first pressing removes most of the ink, making it difficult to produce additional prints with the same richness, resulting in a one-of-a-kind artwork.

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