Jasper Johns 🇺🇸 Painter • Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism

[Sacked...]

A former longtime assistant to the painter Jasper Johns was charged with stealing 22 artworks from the artist’s Connecticut studio and selling them through a Manhattan gallery for a $3.4 million profit.

www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-15/jasper-johns-s-ex-assistant-charged-with-selling-works.html

[Dr Plip]

Aug 16, 2013 21:40:44 GMT 1 Sacked... said:

A former longtime assistant to the painter Jasper Johns was charged with stealing 22 artworks from the artist’s Connecticut studio and selling them through a Manhattan gallery for a $3.4 million profit.

www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-15/jasper-johns-s-ex-assistant-charged-with-selling-works.html

Hi assistant for 25 years!

I guess you think you know someone...

This is interesting:

"Meyer (the assistant) required each buyer to sign an agreement that the artworks be kept private for at least eight years and not loaned, exhibited or re-sold during that time"

On a slightly different topic, does anyone think that in a few years time, there's going to be a flood of previously unknown Banksy works appearing for sale?

[Howard Johnson]

EDIT:

I found this publisher that has a ton of Jasper Johns prints available at really good prices. I figured I'd share the wealth, post the link, and maybe one or two members would be interested. What I did not expect is the reception this thread has received. I love it! Great debate on both sides on what constitutes a "fine art print", people going all in on the set, and a dash of trolling that should be expected.

However, there has been some criticism about my motives, and accusations that I have misled some members. If any members feel that way, I sincerely apologize. I just wanted to clear some of this up in this initial post so that members just discovering this would be fully informed. Below, I have included a description of these prints, and the pros/cons of these editions from my standpoint. I urge all those considering a purchase to read it carefully in order to make an informed decision. Thank you!

From the publisher:

"Tatyana Grosman started Telamon Editions Limited in 1970 as a commercial venture of Universal Limited Art Editions. It was closed upon her death in 1982. Among her initial projects was a facsimile catalogue of Jasper Johns prints published by ULAE. The format for the catalogue was 22 1/2 x 17 1/2 inches and was to be printed in an edition of 300 on the same paper as the original limited editions prints. A hand fed offset pressed was purchased in 1971 to proof and print the project. 13 facsimiles were printed on the hand-fed offset press by Bill Goldston and James V. Smith under the supervision of the artist before 1982 when the it was abandoned for the complete catalogue raisonne published in 1993. Other than their size, the paper, color and printing sequence match the original edition. The facsimiles are not signed by the artist and the Telamon Editions Limited seal appears within the images to insure no confusion with the original editions. A short documentation for each image was printed verso. There is a limited quantity available."

Pros:

- Artist approved/oversaw production

- Direct from the publisher of the majority of iconic JJ prints

- Quality in the printing method and added bonus of matching paper stock of the OG editions

- Some of these are literally the same exact print as the OG editions ("Hands," and maybe one more?)

- You cant beat the price, I dare you to say that a $150 JJ print is highway robbery

Cons:

- Edition number is somewhat ambiguous (300-400 is the number provided to some inquiring members)

- Unsigned

- I do not believe these are recognized by any JJ catalogue raisonnes

IMHO a print approved/overseen by the artist is an authentic print of that artist. It may not be considered a part of JJ's overall body of work, but very few of us on this board can afford such pieces. I will be the first to admit its frankly impossible to "categorize" these prints. They are not posters, they are not editions, they are authentic prints produced for an AWESOME idea of a catalogue raisonnes in which the prints match the recognized editions exactly with the exception of the size. Can you imagine something similar with Banksy or Kaws? I'd kill to have every print in those artists body of work even if the size wasn't spot on.

Anyways, that's my two cents. If you want them, buy them. If you don't, please keep the conversation civil and if you must criticize those of us who found this to be a cool opportunity, please do so with intelligent arguments.

My one last request is that those who frame these, please post your pics in this thread. I think you could get pretty creative considering the size, and I'm very curious to see what everyone comes up with.

Oh and if you want a JJ print for $150, click the link below:

store.ulae.com/

[Pattycakes]

It's an offset lithograph facsimile i.e a reproduction what exactly arroyo trying to promote here

[Howard Johnson]

Jun 16, 2017 23:32:12 GMT 1 Pattycakes said:

It's an offset lithograph facsimile i.e a reproduction what exactly arroyo trying to promote here

While that's kinda true, its not the whole picture. They printed these using the same technique/paper stock/ and image as the regular editions (the flag editions where small, like  only 10 or so) under the supervision of the artist. It was for a large format book project that never happened. To me, that's a "proof" as its a print created during the edition process (these were to be a portfolio edition of 300) but the whole project was scrapped.

I believe its important to understand the difference between a reproduction and fine art print. If the artist is involved in the process (approving proofs, choosing paper stock/technique, ect) then the work is understood to be part of that artist's body of work, albeit a print. A reproduction is simply a licensed image that is created with no input from the artist whatsoever beyond contractual negotiations. Most Dali prints on the market are technically reproductions, because he had no involvement in the creation whatsoever (lots of lawsuits ensued). Here, Johns oversaw the production and thus these are authentic prints.

[docean]

Cheap in what universe? I can pick up an authentic signed/numbered Johns Duck Rabbit for like $4k. Half the fakes I clicked on there were $15k - $25k

[arthoarder]

great find!

[Poly Mindset]

These might be the deal of the year. Although yes they are technically identical copies, Johns did participate in the process of their creation so there is a direct connection. Because of that, I'm sure they are fabulous prints and as close to the original as you could ever hope to get for a fraction of the cost. Picked up 'Painting with Two Balls' and 'False Start 1' and 'False Start 2'. Thanks for posting the link Christopher.

[ak1]

Picked up a couple of these as well. Like the images and connection with the artist. Thanks for the link.

[Amber Halo]

Thanks Chris, picked up False Start I. At that price figure it is worth a punt that quality is sound. Don't care about resale value just hoping print quality etc is good.

[jp]

Jun 17, 2017 3:01:18 GMT 1 docean said:

Cheap in what universe? I can pick up an authentic signed/numbered Johns Duck Rabbit for like $4k. Half the fakes I clicked on there were $15k - $25k

Which ones are fake?

[docean]

Jun 18, 2017 2:19:04 GMT 1 jp said:

Jun 17, 2017 3:01:18 GMT 1 docean said:

Cheap in what universe? I can pick up an authentic signed/numbered Johns Duck Rabbit for like $4k. Half the fakes I clicked on there were $15k - $25k

Which ones are fake?

All of these. You can tell yourself some BS story about how he oversaw blah blah, but the fact is he didn't sign em, they're not numbered, it's just a money hole.

[The Observer]

The word cheap is relative because five figas ain't cheap to me brotha.

[Amber Halo]

Jun 18, 2017 3:07:46 GMT 1 The Observer said:

The word cheap is relative because five figas ain't cheap to me brotha.

They start at $150.

[Poly Mindset]

Jun 18, 2017 2:23:09 GMT 1 docean said:

Jun 18, 2017 2:19:04 GMT 1 jp said:

Which ones are fake?

All of these. You can tell yourself some BS story about how he oversaw blah blah, but the fact is he didn't sign em, they're not numbered, it's just a money hole.

But a very cheap money hole at that. Don't be so bitter if people want to take a chance on some nice prints by a fabulous artist at a reasonable price. Even if they aren't signed, the effort alone on the original paper and printing process is something to behold. If you are not a buyer that's fine, but don't get all high and mighty like you are some kind of art or art market advisereo and have the corner on what drives the market or at the least what makes sense to people. Relax and let s**t roll the way it rolls. Now sit back, relax and shut the f**kup. Have a great night.

[Deleted]

Seems like you couldn't ask for a more reputable source for this prints as Johns created loads of lithos while working at ULAE.  Not sure what would qualify them as "fake".

Decently priced for some great images it seems.  Picked up a "Flag I" for $150 shipped. 

[jeeves]

Wow what an insane find - that you so much for sharing. False Start I bought

[Nick]

Helped my self to a False start 1. Cheers for the link.
View these as more than just a copy with the portfolio backstory, and when the signed edition will set you back over a hundred grand it's a nice cheap way to enjoy the image knowing that the studio/artist had a direct input.

[rosac]

Nice find! If these are genuinely what they say they are then that's amazing value... have also ordered one. Thanks

[Deleted]

The fact ULAE are selling them is a massive plus.

This could be find of the year.

Cheers

[eye like]

Thanks for the tip Christoffer! If what they say is true about how these were produced (and I have no reason to doubt that it is) then these look an absolute steal.

[Poly Mindset]

Jun 18, 2017 22:22:46 GMT 1 @ai2bob said:

The fact ULAE are selling them is a massive plus.

This could be find of the year.

Cheers

Agreed. The smart art investor imho should pick up one of each as they no doubt will increase in value because they have a ULAE mark on them. Nobody is trying to hide anything here. They are what they are. However, Johns work is just completely out of reach for most of us poor art loving bastards. If his connection to these prints is recognized I'm sure they will be well sought after in the future. If not well, they are still going to be wonderful works to display. 

[Deleted]

Can't go wrong for the price.

Reading the history is fascinating and Tatyana Grosman worked with some very big name artists. Producing ltd editions for them and for the love of the art too not the money. These facsimiles are printed by the same people who printed the original edition and on the same paper. There is a limited quantity available. For the money. The provenance and historical connection to the artist for these prints is a bargain where genuine art lovers and collectors are concerned. For flippers well flippers would buy and sell any, s**t , so probably don't understand the link and historical connection that makes these prints a good buy.

www.ulae.com/history.aspx

At the bottom of the history page is a "photo archive" one can click on to see numerous photos of Jasper Johns and other artists and people producing their original editions at the Grosmans.

[Pawel]

Jun 18, 2017 23:31:43 GMT 1 @elviswarhol said:

Can't go wrong for the price.
/
Reading the history is fascinating and Tatyana Grosman worked with some very big name artists. Producing ltd editions for them and for the love of the art too not the money. These facsimiles are printed by the same people who printed the original edition and on the same paper. There is a limited quantity available. For the money, the provenance and historical connection to the artist for these prints is a bargain where genuine art lovers and collectors are concerned. For flippers well flippers would buy and sell any, s**t , so probably don't understand the link and historical connection that makes these prints a good buy.

www.ulae.com/history.aspx

At the bottom of the history page is a "photo archive" one can click on to see numerous photos of jasper Johns and other artists and people producing their original editions at the Grosmans.

It's hard to tell how limited they really are. Can the fact that the catalog was to be edition of 300 any indication?

[Deleted]

Jun 18, 2017 23:38:14 GMT 1 Pawel said:

Jun 18, 2017 23:31:43 GMT 1 @elviswarhol said:

Can't go wrong for the price.
/
Reading the history is fascinating and Tatyana Grosman worked with some very big name artists. Producing ltd editions for them and for the love of the art too not the money. These facsimiles are printed by the same people who printed the original edition and on the same paper. There is a limited quantity available. For the money, the provenance and historical connection to the artist for these prints is a bargain where genuine art lovers and collectors are concerned. For flippers well flippers would buy and sell any, s**t , so probably don't understand the link and historical connection that makes these prints a good buy.

www.ulae.com/history.aspx

At the bottom of the history page is a "photo archive" one can click on to see numerous photos of jasper Johns and other artists and people producing their original editions at the Grosmans.

It's hard to tell how limited they really are. Can the fact that the catalog was to be edition of 300 any indication?

The ones that you can only buy one of per person I would imagine won't have high numbers.

[Pawel]

Jun 18, 2017 23:53:10 GMT 1 @ai2bob said:

Jun 18, 2017 23:38:14 GMT 1 Pawel said:

It's hard to tell how limited they really are. Can the fact that the catalog was to be edition of 300 any indication?

The ones that you can only buy one of per person I would imagine won't have high numbers.

I haven't even noticed some of them are one per person and some are not

[mds44]

Just to add a minor detail -- for those who aren't familiar with Jasper Johns or ULAE, ULAE published the definitive catalogue raisonne of his work. It's cited by every major auction house that transacts Johns prints. See for example www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/jasper-johns-flag-moratorium-ulae-s5-5308661-details.aspx. People can make up their own mind about how they want to characterize these proofs, but ULAE's involvement is (as others have noted) a big deal.

[Howard Johnson]

Thanks for the kind words guys! I like collecting ephemera (posters, books, etc) and the key to the good pieces is the artists involvement. I could care less about some beautiful poster that was the product of a license agreement; to me that's not authentic artwork. It blows my mind that people spend so much money on those basquiat prints. He didn't create, approve, or was even remotely involved in the production. That to me is fake art. Anyways, I digress. Here's hopeing the quality is good on these johns!!

[Pawel]

One more thing. Does anyone have an idea how the "Telamon..." seal "within the images" might look like?

[Deleted]

I've sent the publisher an email about a number of things, will update when I get a reply.

This still seems to good to be true.