Earth & Wind © David Wojnarowicz 1991
Leah Mentzis, Partnerships Managerleah@myartbroker.com
Interested in buying or selling
David Wojnarowicz?
David Wojnarowicz
6 works
Key Takeaways
David Wojnarowicz's market has seen significant growth, with individual prints regularly fetching between £5,000 and £15,000, while complete portfolios can achieve as much as £30,000 at auction. Authentication requires thorough examination of paper quality, printing technique, and provenance, with the in-progress catalogue raisonné by PPOW Gallery serving as a crucial reference. Given the politically charged nature of his work, condition and historical context are paramount, with well-preserved examples commanding premium prices. Strategic timing, such as selling during major retrospectives or LGBTQ+ cultural events, can optimise returns.
David Wojnarowicz was a multidisciplinary artist whose work challenged societal norms and gave voice to marginalised communities. Born in 1954 in New Jersey, Wojnarowicz emerged as a pivotal figure in the East Village art scene of 1980s New York. Wojnarowicz's work, encompassing painting, photography, sculpture, and writing, is characterised by its raw energy, autobiographical elements, and fierce critique of American society. This guide will assist anyone navigating the market for Wojnarowicz's prints, providing insights into valuation, authentication, and optimal selling strategies.
Wojnarowicz's artistic vision was shaped by his experiences as a gay man living through the AIDS crisis, his tumultuous childhood, and his observations of American consumer culture. He drew inspiration from diverse sources, including William S. Burroughs' literary works, French poet Arthur Rimbaud, and the stark realities of life on the margins of society. Wojnarowicz's prints often incorporate imagery from his paintings and photographs, creating a rich visual language that speaks to themes of desire, isolation, and resistance. His work has been collected by major institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
How Much Do David Wojnarowicz Prints Sell For?
The market for David Wojnarowicz's prints has seen substantial growth, particularly since his posthumous recognition as a significant voice in late 20th century American art. Prices can vary widely based on factors such as rarity, condition, and the specific series to which a print belongs. The artist’s most sought-after prints tend to be those with the most political and societal charge. A collection of 10 prints of One Day This Kid (1990-2018), which details the normalised experience of gay men in America at its time of creation, sold for a record price of £29,159 at auction in Berlin in 2021. The highest price achieved by an individual Wojnarowicz print was £22,778, achieved by Untitled (c.1982) in 2023 - this could, in part be due to its obvious relevance within a Post War Art context, as well as the pinholes and tearing around the edges that are very distinctive of Wojnarowicz’s method of working. A collection of Earth & Wind (1991) and Fire & Water (1991) sold for £20,087, over double their high estimate, in 2021.
Some of Wojnarowicz's most sought-after print series include the Rimbaud in New York (1978-79) photographs, where the French poet’s face is worn as a mask by the original subjects. Individual prints from this series typically fetch between £5,000 and £30,000.
Later prints and posthumous editions, such as those from his Sex Series (1988-89), generally range from £3,000 to £20,000, depending on size and edition. This series in particular is popular because the prints nearly never existed - the original prints were montaged in a dark room, meaning no negatives existed to make additional prints from. Wojnarowicz worked with Schneider and Erdman to photograph the prints and make an edition available.
Other popular prints include Untitled (Buffalo) (1988-89), of which hand-coloured versions exist, and When I Put My Hands On Your Body (1990), the final print edition by Schneider and Erdman before Wojnarowicz died in 1992.
Wojnarowicz's market has shown steady growth over the past decade, with particular spikes following major retrospectives or increased cultural focus on LGBTQ+ artists. For example, following the Whitney Museum's comprehensive retrospective David Wojnarowicz: History Keeps Me Awake at Night in 2018, there were several high-value auction sales for his prints and multiples.
How Do You Authenticate a David Wojnarowicz Print?
Authenticating a Wojnarowicz print involves a balance of establishing provenance, assessing the materials used in the piece, and consulting verified records of his work. As Wojnarowicz often used unconventional printing methods (such as Xerox prints that are particularly sensitive to light), and sometimes added elements such as hand-colouring or additional collage, assessing the legitimacy of any prints can be challenging. For this reason, it is advisable to consult with recognised Wojnarowicz scholars or reputable auction houses or brokers specialising in his work. The artist’s estate, represented by PPOW Gallery in New York, can also provide valuable assistance.
Catalogue Raisonné
The definitive catalogue raisonné for David Wojnarowicz is an ongoing project (titled “One Day This Kid”), currently being compiled by PPOW Gallery in collaboration with the Estate of David Wojnarowicz. This comprehensive catalogue aims to document all of Wojnarowicz's known works, including his prints and multiples. Until its completion, collectors and researchers rely on several key resources. Brush Fires in the Social Landscape, a posthumous collection of Wojnarowicz's work published in 1994 and expanded in 2015, provides extensive documentation of his photographic works. Another valuable printed resource is the catalogue that accompanied the David Wojnarowicz: History Keeps Me Awake at Night exhibition at the Whitney Museum.
Edition and Signature
David Wojnarowicz's approach to editioning and signing his prints was often as unconventional as his artistic practice. Typically, his signature appears in pencil on the lower right of the print, characterised by its distinctive, sometimes hurried appearance. Edition numbers, when present, are usually found on the lower left, though this can vary. Wojnarowicz's print editions were often small, ranging from 10 to 50, with some series produced in larger numbers posthumously.
Some of Wojnarowicz's works were printed or reproduced after his death in 1992, with the approval of his estate. These posthumous editions are typically clearly marked as such. In the case of photographic works, vintage prints made during Wojnarowicz's lifetime are particularly valued.
Browse David Wojnarowicz prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about the print market growth on the MAB100 Print Index.
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Has Your David Wojnarowicz Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
An important factor to consider when assessing the condition of a Wojnarowicz print is that many of his works were initially displayed in unconventional settings, due to their political nature. As a result, a greater degree of wear and tear may be visible, although in many cases this may add to the history of the work and its desirability. Wojnarowicz was also known to use unconventional substrates and non-archival materials when he felt it suited the anti-establishment nature of the work, potentially accelerating deterioration compared to the works of his contemporaries.
Prints are susceptible to the effects of direct sunlight, extreme temperatures and humidity, dust, mould, and insects, as well as tearing and creasing. Protecting your print from this kind of damage involves storing it flat in an acid-free portfolio or, if the piece is displayed, using archival framing materials and UV-resistant glass. Look for signs of damage under diffused light.
Approach conservation cautiously. Wojnarowicz's process embraced imperfections, and overzealous restoration could compromise authenticity. For expert assessment, consult a conservator familiar with 1980s New York art. Remember, signs of age can sometimes add to the work's historical significance.
For a thorough assessment, consider consulting a paper conservator specialising in contemporary prints. They can provide a detailed condition report and advise on any necessary conservation measures. For advice on how to get started, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My David Wojnarowicz Print?
Selling your print at the right time can make a vast difference to the final sale price. Consider factors such as market trends, relevant exhibitions, and significant anniversaries for Wojnarowicz. Periods of heightened interest in politically engaged and LGBTQ+ artists could have an impact on the demand for Wojnarowicz’s work. Retrospectives and major exhibitions also spark renewed interest; for example, David Wojnarowicz: History Keeps Me Awake At Night, held at the Whitney Museum in New York in 2018 was followed by a year of high-value print sales.
As an artist known for his cultural commentary and artistic protests, cultural and political events that resonate with Wojnarowicz's themes may also influence market interest. Pride Month celebrations or significant anniversaries related to the AIDS crisis might create opportune moments for discussion of Wojnarowicz’s work amongst collectors - and, therefore, sales.
It’s important to keep track of Wojnarowicz’s print sales at auction, as this can be the biggest indicator of collector interest, regardless of exhibitions or anniversaries. Monitoring sales results and value trajectory reports for similar Wojnarowicz prints can provide insights into current market trends and help you set realistic expectations for your sale.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell. Our MyPortfolio service features an AI-powered value indicator that provides real-time valuations of individual prints based on both public and private sales data. Combined with our complimentary valuations, we can help ensure your print achieves maximum value by selling at the perfect moment.
Where Can I Sell My David Wojnarowicz Print?
Selling a David Wojnarowicz Via a Broker
Art brokers who focus on contemporary prints or LGBTQ+ artists provide a highly customised selling experience. These specialists often have well-established networks of collectors, allowing them to manage private sales with a level of discretion that auctions typically do not offer. This confidentiality can be particularly beneficial for some of Wojnarowicz's more provocative pieces. Using a broker can result in faster sales compared to the auction process, and they offer personalised advice throughout the transaction. However, this convenience comes at a cost, with fees generally ranging from 10% to 20%. While you might miss out on the broader exposure that public auctions provide, the expertise and network of a knowledgeable broker can be invaluable. It's essential to choose brokers with a successful history of handling Wojnarowicz's works and a thorough understanding of the market for politically charged and LGBTQ+ art.
Selling a David Wojnarowicz Via Auction House
Prestigious institutions like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips regularly showcase Wojnarowicz's work, offering sellers a global stage. These international institutions leverage their vast networks and marketing reach to attract serious collectors, potentially igniting bidding wars that can drive prices higher. The competitive atmosphere of a live auction can be particularly advantageous for an artist like Wojnarowicz, whose critical acclaim has soared in recent years. However, this path comes with considerations. Sellers should be prepared for fees that amount to as much as 25% of the hammer price. There's also the inherent unpredictability of auctions; your piece might exceed expectations or fail to meet its reserve. Additionally, you'll have limited control over the sale's timing and presentation. For rare or early Wojnarowicz prints, this high-profile route can be an effective method of attracting serious Wojnarowicz collectors, but it's crucial to thoroughly understand the consignment terms before proceeding.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling a David Wojnarowicz Via Online Marketplace
Online art platforms have revolutionised the selling process, offering global reach with lower overheads. These digital venues provide sellers with direct control over listing details and pricing, potentially enabling quicker sales. For Wojnarowicz's work, which often resonates with niche collectors worldwide, this broad accessibility can be advantageous. However, the digital route presents unique challenges for high-value prints like Wojnarowicz's. There's a risk of undervaluation due to platform limitations, and the lack of expert curation can make it difficult for exceptional pieces to stand out. Authentication concerns are also more pronounced in the online space. If you're considering this option for a Wojnarowicz print, especially those of significant value or sensitive content, opt for specialised fine art platforms with robust verification processes.
Why Sell Your David Wojnarowicz with MyArtBroker?
A Dedicated Broker
MyArtBroker offers a distinctive service connecting clients with their dedicated personal broker, ensuring a secure transaction through our online digital platform. Our specialists excel at sourcing direct buyers for consigned prints via our live trading floor, where users within our extensive network can express interest in specific prints and multiples by particular artists, whether they intend to sell, buy, or simply enquire about a specific print. Our team is approachable, passionate, and consistently provides updates on the art market and artists. We guide sellers through a seamless transaction process, establishing a fair market valuation based on realistic sale prices and offering free advice on the optimal timing for selling, leveraging our extensive knowledge of the art market.
Minimise Risk
At MyArtBroker, we prioritise transparency and security in every art sale. Our stringent due diligence process ensures the authentication and verification of artwork provenance, drawing upon our in-house expertise and collaborating with professional external contacts when needed. This approach effectively mitigates the risk of trading counterfeit or stolen art pieces. Additionally, we minimise the risks associated with public sales. While public auctions may seem appealing, unsold prints can harm an artist's market. Private sales eliminate this risk and enable quicker liquidity release for your artwork compared to adhering to strict auction schedules dictating when your work can be offered for sale.
0% Seller's Fees, 100% of the Time
Our team of specialists offers tailored services to procure rare and special edition prints, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the market. As part of our standard practice, we provide complimentary valuations and charge zero seller's fees, setting us apart from other private brokers and traditional auction houses. By minimising overhead costs, we allocate resources towards digital innovation and targeted marketing strategies within our network and house magazine.
When it comes to selling artwork, achieving the best price hinges on accessing a niche market with an established collector community. If you're looking to sell a print, turning to a specialist in the print market, like MyArtBroker, yields superior results compared to approaching an auction house, which caters to broader categories of artwork.
Our Network
Through our live trading floor we empower our network of collectors, fundamentally reshaping the art investment and trading landscape in the digital era. Offering real time market data and insights gleaned from worldwide collectors, we establish value based on convenience, accessibility, and the exceptional level of transparency and security provided to over tens of thousands of users.
David Wojnarowicz Collection Management with MyPortfolio
In addition to our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a collection management system, empowering collectors to curate and oversee their prints and editions collection. This feature grants users access to our print market database, uniquely tied to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm scans and analyses both public auction and private sales data to determine real time valuations of individual print works, factoring in various aspects such as condition, colour, and other factors affecting value.
Read What Powers MyArtBroker's Technology? In Conversation With Stuart Jamieson, Financial Quant to learn more about our algorithm.
Emerging art tech tools are vital in navigating the current, and evolving, digital art market landscape. For instance, by adding David Wojnarowicz prints from our website to the MyPortfolio dashboard, users gain insight into unique sale opportunities and observe market performance and fluctuations as they happen, streamlining the sales process effortlessly. Our pioneering technology has revolutionised art portfolio management, making it more accessible and equipping users with data-driven insights for informed decisions. MyArtBroker harnesses cutting-edge technology driven by data, coupled with a team of industry experts, to deliver an exceptional experience. Our professionals work closely with clients, utilising the MyPortfolio dashboard, to provide personalised guidance for creating a profitable art collection. By merging technology and expertise, we are committed to offering unparalleled curation and customer service.
Leah Mentzis, Partnerships Managerleah@myartbroker.com
Interested in buying or selling
David Wojnarowicz?
David Wojnarowicz
6 works
