Screenprints, limited editions or unique pieces? Discover the main types of contemporary art and how to make informed choices when collecting.

In contemporary art, not every work is a million-euro canvas. Screenprints, lithographs, pigment prints and numbered editions are now key elements in building a high-quality collection. Understanding the technical distinctions and market value of each category is the first step to collecting with confidence—especially when signed editions by Warhol, Banksy, or Haring fetch six-figure results at auction.

Unique works: the heart of institutional collecting

Unique pieces—paintings or sculptures created only once—represent the top of the market hierarchy. These are the works that enter museums and command the highest prices. They require rigorous due diligence in terms of provenance, condition, and documentation. Collecto performs full verification and secure vault storage for all unique works on its platform.

Screenprints and signed editions: rigorously multiplied art

Screenprinting, used by artists like Warhol and Hirst, allows for numbered editions often signed by the artist. These are not reproductions but actual artworks with technical and cultural relevance. Pigment prints (e.g., giclée) also hold value when editioned, signed, and certified. Haring’s and KAWS’s editions are prime examples of how multiples can carry serious weight in the market.

Multiples, editions and sculptural series

Artists like Koons and KAWS have popularized numbered sculptural editions. The value of such pieces depends on edition size, materials, and the artist’s relevance. For example, a resin toy in the thousands differs substantially from a bronze edition of 1/8. This is where expert guidance, like that of Collecto’s curatorial board, becomes essential.

Why editions are increasingly in demand

According to Artprice, 65% of contemporary art sales involve editions. They offer better liquidity, affordability, and a strong entry point for collectors. Editions allow artists to spread their visual language while building broader market interest. A signed, well-documented edition can hold—and grow—its value just like a unique piece.