The Colour of Money
I told John some time ago that I was going to have a rant and the time is nigh, having been spurred on by a recent drop alert for a spray can in variations totalling over 25. To be fair, although that represents the greatest number of variations for a single drop I have ever seen, the prices are low compared to others where you are looking at north of £1000 for a daub magenta. Is it me? It must be, because I just don’t get it. What is the need to offer low edition numbers of the same print with a different colour backdrop, not to mention the considerable price hike. And I am not talking about one colour either. As far as I am aware, individual colours don’t carry their own price (Pantone premium anyone?) unless of course gold leaf or diamond dust is involved, and then you may as well put your house on the market. Nowadays, a print drop is titled, ‘standard’ and run as an edition of approx. 100-300. I then find the need to remove my glasses before scrolling down so as to blur neighbouring variations that require a greater explanation to my beloved as to why I need it above us being able to eat for the next fortnight. Saying that, good luck if you don’t have a bot. Is the initial print, (god forbid if it’s on boring white 300gsm paper, decked edges or not) watered down from each variation and are hand finished multiples part of the same argument? Is an A/P or P/P still held in high regard compared to a variation on let’s say, wood or aluminium, (of course taking into account the cost of different materials).
Having said this, some colours may suit the print better than others, however is that the initial thought process of the artist and printer, or are there sweaty hands and a broad grin involved? Am I being cynical? Probably, and I’ll openly admit to a side serving of mild hypocrisy here, given I have eyed up variations with the thinking this may be more of a shrewd investment. My rant now appears conflicted and deserves debate. If you decide to flip what would you rather, £100 or £700 profit? Who am I to judge. I don’t know is the answer, but I have personally started to avoid multiple variation drops even if they are by the current big-hitters. Someone please educate me.
What I do know, is that if you want the above text in a different colour... it will cost-ya.
