Pace Editions

Pace Editions. It is a distinguished fine art print publisher and master printer studio established as an integral part of the Pace Gallery network. Founded in 1968 by Arne Glimcher, the division is dedicated to collaborating directly with artists to produce limited edition prints, artist's books, and multiples, emphasizing the highest standards of craftsmanship and artistic innovation. Under the longtime leadership of master printer Dick Solomon, it has become a pivotal force in the post-war art market, facilitating the exploration of printmaking by many of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

History and founding

The initiative was launched in 1968 by Arne Glimcher, the visionary founder of the Pace Gallery, to provide a dedicated in-house workshop for the creation of original prints. This move mirrored a broader trend among major New York City galleries, such as Castelli Graphics and Gemini G.E.L., to support artists in exploring the medium of printmaking. The establishment of a dedicated print studio allowed the gallery to offer its roster of artists unparalleled resources and technical expertise. The early direction and artistic philosophy were significantly shaped by master printer Dick Solomon, who joined shortly after its inception and fostered deep collaborative relationships with a generation of leading artists.

Notable publications and projects

Throughout its history, the studio has been responsible for publishing a vast and influential body of work. Key projects include iconic series by Louise Nevelson, such as her atmospheric *Sky Cathedral* lithographs, and the vibrant, complex intaglio prints of Agnes Martin. It has produced significant editions for Chuck Close, including his monumental mezzotint portraits that push the technical boundaries of the medium. The studio has also published important works by James Turrell, Robert Rauschenberg, and Kiki Smith, contributing seminal pieces to the canon of contemporary printmaking.

Collaborations with artists

The core of its practice is the intimate, workshop-based collaboration between its master printers and artists, many of whom had little prior experience with print techniques. These partnerships have often led to significant artistic breakthroughs; for instance, Julian Schnabel created his first major series of prints there, incorporating unconventional materials like velvet. The studio worked extensively with Claes Oldenburg on editions of his soft sculpture motifs and with Sol LeWitt to meticulously realize his wall drawing instructions as prints. Other notable collaborators include David Hockney, Jean Dubuffet, and Mark Rothko, whose luminous color fields were translated into the lithographic medium.

Printing techniques and processes

The workshop is equipped to handle a wide array of traditional and innovative printmaking techniques, often combining them within a single edition. Mastery of lithography on both stone and plate is a cornerstone, alongside extensive capabilities in etching, aquatint, and drypoint. The studio is particularly renowned for its expertise in labor-intensive processes like mezzotint and woodcut, as seen in works by Chuck Close and Xavier Veilhan. The technical team collaborates closely with artists to experiment with materials, from handmade papers to metallic inks, ensuring each project meets the artist's exacting vision.

Impact and legacy

Its impact on the art world is profound, having democratized access to original works by major artists through the editioned print format and elevated printmaking to a central position in contemporary artistic practice. The studio has played a crucial educational role, introducing the intricacies of print processes to a global audience of collectors and institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the British Museum. By maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and collaboration, it has secured a legacy as one of the most respected and influential art publishers of the modern era, shaping the market and historical appreciation of artists' prints.

Category:Art publishers Category:Printmaking studios Category:Companies based in Manhattan Category:1968 establishments in New York (state)