The market for fine art prints has long been regarded as a means of democratizing art, allowing more individuals to experience the joy of owning artwork. At LITO Editions we use our proprietary high-rendering technology to create a new generation of limited editions never seen before, revolutionizing the art collecting experience. There is a variety of printing techniques employed by renowned artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. From Andy Warhol’s iconic silkscreen prints to the diamond-dusted portraits of contemporary British artist Russell Young, we invite you to delve into the world of collectible names within the rapidly growing sector of the art market.

The Pioneer of Printmaking
Pop artist Andy Warhol embarked on his exploration of silkscreen printing in 1962. Creating reproductions of images appropriated from popular culture, his prints not only brought art to the masses but also served as a commentary on the socio-political climate of the time. Warhol is best known for his works featuring stars like Marilyn Monroe and Liz Taylor. Additionally, he used his art to convey deeper political statements, such as his works featuring Chairman Mao, John F. Kennedy, and Nixon. Other artists followed suit, creating powerful artworks that mirrored the world around them. New York's Keith Haring, an artist and activist, utilized posters, murals, and prints to shed light on a range of causes. His 1983 piece, "Fertility Suite," specifically commented on the prevalence of HIV among pregnant women in Africa. During times of volatility, such as the one we currently experience, strong artistic movements have historically emerged. Artists like Banksy, Bob and Roberta Smith, Shepard Fairey, and Guerrilla Girls employ print as a medium to make their voices heard.

Warhol and Banksy: favorites among art collectors
Fine art prints are not mass-produced posters or digital giclée prints. Andy Warhol for instance utilized the same printmaking techniques for his prints as he did for his paintings, with the only distinction being the material they were printed on—paper or canvas. Undoubtedly, Banksy has inherited Warhol’s crown as the king of printmaking. Utilizing printmaking as a means to create art more efficiently, Banksy has made his artwork accessible to the public and produced some of the most widely recognized artworks of the 21st century. His renowned print, “Girl with Balloon,” which originally appeared as stencil murals across London. LITO offers the most sought-after artists a revolutionary new medium of expression. By collaborating with the LITO Technology Lab in Bregenz, Austria, artists have access to creative solutions to adapt and apply their aesthetic vocabulary to the process of printmaking.

The Provocative New Generation of Printmakers
From the wry and humorous musings of David Shrigley to Russell Young's captivating capsules of aesthetic perfection, a new generation of artists continues to explore the possibilities of printmaking with dazzling effects. Russell Young, in particular, meticulously refines his approach to printmaking, scouring the world for rare pigments to create his seductive color palette. His silk-screen prints on linen offer a glittering vision of celebrity that is both alive and alluring. LITO Editions presented early July 2023 during artmonte-carlo fair a unique series of prints in collaboration with acclaimed Scottish artist Douglas Gordon, culled from his “Self Portrait” series that debuted in the early 2000s. Using Andy Warhol’s iconic 1960s silkscreen paintings of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, Gordon reinterpreted the images by setting them on fire to obliterate them, adding holes and burn marks. Gordon then layered the burned images over a mirrored surface to provide a moment of reflection on the idea of celebrity, and how it drastically transforms one’s life when a person is catapulted to stardom, the adoring fans, the burn-out, and the subsequent downfall of stardom that led to both of their untimely deaths. Each of the four prints comes in a limited edition of 35, personally signed and numbered on the custom backplate by hand by Gordon himself. There is no doubt that the future of printmaking rests in capable hands.

A Gateway to Art Investment
According to ArtTactic, prints and editions accounted for 47.3% of lots sold at auction between 2015 and 2022, making it the fastest-growing sector in the art market. The fact that the average sale price of prints at auctions increased by more than 30% in 2022 is encouraging for investors, highlighting the potential for long-term profitability. Prints appeal to a wide audience due to their affordability, recognizable styles, and iconic imagery, allowing individuals to access artwork by some of the most famous names in the art world at an accessible price point. Whether you are a passionate art lover looking for the next ‘coup de coeur’ or you are interested in exploring art as an investment opportunity, LITO Editions serves as the perfect introduction for aspiring investors, as well as an opportunity to invest in a piece of art history created by some of the most collectible names in contemporary art.