Warren Editions

General information

Warren Editions prints, publishes and sells fine art prints.
Specialising in etching, photogravure, monotype and relief.

Warren Editions was created in September of 2007 by printer Zhané Warren. As a professional print studio, Warren Editions prints and publishes original fine art prints - which are for sale from the studio - by both emerging and established South African visual artists who, although are not primarily printmakers, are interested in the revival of printmaking as a contemporary medium. At Warren Editions, artists are introduced to the time-honoured intaglio and monotype techniques, offering artists the freedom to realise and originate ideas in multiple form.

The printmaking process embraces a multifarious scope of method and media that enables artists to participate in the dialogue of contemporary art and culture. At Warren Editions, visual artists are encouraged to explore the multiple possibilities of print so as to develop an individual and sustained pathway in image-making – whether printmaking is the core practice or the support for other processes. Due to the fact that prints are generally comprised of different layers, the artist is faced with the challenge of de-constructing an re-constructing their images. This partnering of play and organization often leads the artist to new directions in his/her general art practice.

At Warren Editions collaboration is central to the developing of the images: the print collaboration is a constant intercession between artist and printmaker. The printer’s role is to introduce the technical possibilities of the medium to the artist and to ensure a consistency in quality. At Warren Editions, the print collaboration is initiated by the artist’s vision. Zhané Warren recommends the best options and is responsible for the technical aspects of the plate production. Along with an assistant, Warren prints the edition after a Bon à Tirer Proof (go-ahead print) has been agreed upon between artist and printer.

Prints, which form part of an edition, each vary slightly in terms of a degree of darkness/lightness and although fine art prints are multiple originals, they are by no means considered reproductions. In fine art or original printmaking, the matrix is made by an artist, or under an artist’s direction, without the intention of reproducing a previously existing work of art. It is due to the fact that the matrix (metal plate) is hand inked and hand wiped that each print within an edition may differ. This of course, renders the printmaking process as significantly bespoke and pleasing to the aesthetes here at WE. At Warren Editions, technique for technique’s sake is avoided. Instead, WE endeavour to strike a balance between content and technique - meaningful content, skill and technique are used to communicate deep convictions and serious play.

Many artists have made significant works through the medium of print and are able to benefit within the art market as fine art prints fall into the middle market bracket. Numerous considerable collections have begun with fine art prints by known artists and this marks the honoured media of print as ideal for discovering contemporary art.