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The Collector’s Cheat Sheet: Understanding Originals, Prints, and Editions
At Sokari London, we believe discovering art should feel exciting, not intimidating. You don’t need to be an experienced collector or have an extensive knowledge of art history to find a piece that speaks to you. But understanding what you’re buying can make the experience even more rewarding.
From original paintings and mixed-media works to digital art and limited-edition prints, contemporary African artists are exploring different ways of creating and sharing their work. So, if you’ve ever wondered what makes an original artwork different from a print, or what those numbers beside an artist’s signature mean, here’s a good place to start.
Original Artworks: What Makes a Piece Original?
An original artwork is a work that comes from an artist’s own creative practice. It could be a painting, sculpture, drawing, photograph or digital creation.
Some original artworks are one-of-a-kind, meaning only one physical piece exists. Others are produced in authorised editions, particularly in photography and printmaking.
At Sokari London, David Awoleye’s Gele: Crown of Heritage is an example of an original mixed-media work. Combining Ankara fabric and charcoal on canvas, the piece explores Nigerian heritage, identity and the cultural significance of the gele.
Originality isn’t limited to traditional painting techniques. Artists such as Anthony Azekwoh also explore digital mediums, drawing on African folklore and mythology to create contemporary visual narratives.
Understanding Prints: Traditional, Digital and Reproductions
Not every print is simply a copy of a painting. To understand exactly what you are buying, it helps to divide prints into three distinct categories:
1. Traditional Original Prints These are created through hands-on printmaking processes such as screenprinting, etching, lithography or woodcut. The artist develops the image specifically for that physical process, like carving a block of wood or etching a metal plate. Because the artist built the tool to make the image, the resulting impressions are considered original artworks.
2. Natively Digital Prints This is the category for artists like Anthony Azekwoh who paint directly onto digital screens. Because the artwork never existed as a physical canvas in the first place, it cannot be considered a "reproduction." When the digital file is printed onto high-quality fine art paper or canvas, that limited edition print becomes the very first physical manifestation of the original artwork.
3. Reproductions A reproduction is a high-quality copy of a physical artwork that already exists. For example, an original mixed-media canvas might be professionally photographed and printed onto paper. These are beautiful and accessible ways to collect art, but they are copies of a piece that exists somewhere else.
(Note on printing terms: You may come across the word Giclée while collecting. This simply describes a high-quality inkjet printing process used by galleries. Both natively digital prints and reproductions can be produced using Giclée printers.)
Left: Reproductions of the artwork. Right: The original piece, created with acrylic on canvas.
What Do Limited Editions and Edition Numbers Mean?
When buying prints, you may notice numbers such as 15/100 written beside an artist’s signature.
This means the print is number 15 in a total edition of 100. The first number identifies the individual impression, while the second indicates the total number in that edition.
A limited edition has a predetermined number of impressions. Once the edition is complete, no additional impressions should be produced as part of that edition.
An open edition has no fixed production limit, meaning more prints can be produced over time.
You might also encounter the letters AP, meaning Artist’s Proof. These are impressions traditionally reserved for the artist outside the regular numbered edition. They are not automatically more valuable than other prints. As an industry standard, Artist’s Proofs usually make up no more than 10% to 15% of the total edition size.
Limited editions can appeal to collectors because of their defined availability, but a smaller edition does not automatically mean a higher price. The artist, demand, condition and significance of the work all matter.
What Should You Look Out for Before Buying Art?
Whether you’re buying your first artwork or adding to an existing collection, there are a few things worth checking:
The artist: Learn about their practice, influences and previous work. Understanding the story behind an artwork can change how you experience it.
The medium: Find out what materials and techniques were used to create the piece.
The condition: Check for damage, fading or deterioration, particularly with older works and prints on paper.
The edition: If you’re buying a print, establish whether it is limited or open edition and confirm the total edition size.
Documentation: Ask whether the artwork comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and whether provenance information is available. A valid COA should be signed by the gallery or artist and include specific details matching the artwork: the exact title, medium, dimensions, year of creation, and the specific edition number.
The signature: Check whether a print is hand-signed in pencil or ink by the artist, or if the signature is printed into the image itself (plate-signed). Hand-signed prints are generally more sought-after because they confirm the artist personally inspected and approved the physical piece.
Provenance refers to an artwork’s documented ownership history, while a Certificate of Authenticity provides information supporting the work’s authenticity. They are related, but they are not the same thing.
It is also worth remembering that an artwork’s value is influenced by several factors, including the artist’s reputation, collector demand, rarity, condition and provenance. Originality or a small edition size alone does not guarantee that a work will increase in value.
A Little Care Goes a Long Way
Once you’ve found a piece you love, looking after it is just as important as choosing it.
Keep artworks away from direct sunlight, damp areas and sources of excessive heat. For works on paper, consider professional framing with conservation-quality materials and UV-filtering glazing. Remember that UV protection reduces exposure but does not eliminate all light damage.
Different materials require different care, so when in doubt, seek advice from a professional framer or conservator.
Discover Art with Sokari London
At Sokari London, we bring together contemporary African artists whose work explores culture, identity, heritage and innovation. From David Awoleye’s material-led approach to Anthony Azekwoh’s exploration of digital storytelling, our collection reflects the many directions contemporary African art continues to take.
We believe collecting should be an opportunity to discover artists, engage with new perspectives and connect with stories that resonate with you.
You don’t have to know everything about art to start collecting. Start with what interests you, ask questions and take the time to understand the work.
Discover contemporary African art and find a piece that speaks to you at Sokari London.
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