Pace Prints, the renowned New York-based print publisher, is making its mark in Hollywood. This fall, the company will unveil a new production facility in Los Angeles, complemented by a small gallery. This expansion comes at a time when the L.A. art scene is seeking fresh energy and innovation.
Unlike traditional galleries, the Los Angeles location will primarily serve as a production hub. The initiative aims to provide West Coast artists with the opportunity to explore and experiment without the constraints of quick, transactional projects.
CEO Jacob Lewis, who has been with Pace since 2001, has witnessed the evolution of printmaking firsthand. He notes that prints have undergone a fascinating transformation over the years. "Prints have had a funny history," he remarked, observing their rise in popularity during the 1960s and '70s, a decline in the '90s, and a strong resurgence today.
Lewis highlights a significant shift in how artists perceive prints. "Most artists now see printmaking as an integral part of their practice," he explained. This change is driven by the increasing prices of unique paintings, which have become less accessible to many art enthusiasts. "Prints are re-entering the conversation as serious works," he added, allowing a broader audience to engage with art.
The statistics reflect this trend. Recent print fairs in New York have reported record attendance, with the IFPDA Print Fair attracting over 21,000 visitors. High-net-worth collectors have increased their acquisitions of prints and multiples significantly in 2023, demonstrating a renewed interest in this medium.
Lewis emphasizes that printmaking enhances accessibility to art. It provides a pathway for new collectors to enter the market, allowing them to acquire works at more approachable price points. This ethos will be showcased at the upcoming Frieze Los Angeles, where Pace Prints will feature a selection of works from local artists such as Ross Caliendo and Hilary Pecis, alongside notable pieces from artists like Keith Haring and Yoshitomo Nara.
In parallel, Pace Prints will host an exhibition titled Chuck Close and Pulp in New York, opening on February 12. This showcase will celebrate the legacy of Chuck Close, highlighting his innovative approaches to printmaking, including the unique techniques he developed over his career.
Close's journey into printmaking began in the 1960s, and he famously stated, "Virtually everything that has happened in my unique work can be traced back to the prints." His collaborations have pushed the boundaries of scale and technique, inspiring future generations of artists.
As Pace Prints embarks on this new chapter in Hollywood, it aims to foster a vibrant community of artists dedicated to exploring the limitless possibilities of printmaking.