Fine Art vs. "Giclee" Reproductions.

True fine art giclee prints are produced in the very best and most accurate methods available using only the best archival inks and grounds. The advent of this process has created a problem of quality brought about by a lack of knowledge by artists and collectors as to what a true giclee reproduction is, and the generic use by printmakers of the term simply because the reproduction was created using an inkjet printer. This has caused concern within the fine art world.

In 2001 the Giclee Printers Association was established especially for the security of the artist, print buyer and the professional giclee printmaker, to distinguish true archival giclee standards as defined through reproduction methodology, ability, equipment and materials as well as ethics and integrity. Through an extensive juried process the giclee printmaker is evaluated and certified, which guarantees quality and integrity for both the artist and collector. Evaluation and recertification is done through documentation of vendor purchase histories twice a year to ensure compliance with archival standards. The consumer collecting fine art reproductions as well as the artist reproducing artwork, and concerned about reputation, can have confidence in the work.

Archival Reliability

The Wilhelm Imaging Research Center a non profit independent laboratory, sets the standards for pigment lightfastness and ground life-span reliability. Through extensive testing under controlled conditions all inksets and ground combinations for all manufacturers of pigments, film, papers and canvas are tested through manufacturer submittal or random testing. Giclee inksets and ground combinations should meet testing standards of 175-200 years when subjected to typical incandescent light.All inksets and ground combination results are avaiable for confirmation. GPA certified printmakers must meet these criteria to attain and retain certification.

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