Gauntlet Gallery — Kai & Sunny Print Index
Upward Turn & In The Drift (Skateboard Set)
Summary
This 2019 skateboard set pairs the Upward Turn and In The Drift designs across two 8.25-inch decks, each a ten-color silkscreen on Featherlight white dipped veneer. Signed and issued as a set in an edition of 40, it translates Kai & Sunny's flowing motion motifs onto functional skate-deck objects.
Why It Matters
Artist skate decks occupy a distinct collecting lane that overlaps art and skate culture. The ten-color silkscreen is unusually rich for a deck, and offering the two designs as a matched set of 40 makes complete, intact pairs the desirable configuration. Sets are inherently harder to keep together over time.
Collector Perspective
With only 40 sets, keeping both decks together and undamaged is central to value. Skate decks are prone to edge wear and shrink-wrap loss, so unridden, sealed examples with intact graphics are preferred. Collectors should verify the set is complete and that both decks carry consistent edition marking.
Historical Context
Kai & Sunny extended their print imagery onto skate decks, a common practice among artists working near street and skate culture. This 2019 set draws directly on two of their recurring motion themes, Upward Turn and In The Drift, rendered on dipped veneer.
FAQ
How many decks are in the set?
Two decks, one featuring Upward Turn and one In The Drift, sold as a matched set.
What is the edition size?
An edition of 40 sets, signed.
What are the deck specs?
Ten-color silkscreen on Featherlight white dipped veneer, 8.25 inches wide.
Does completeness affect desirability?
Yes. As a matched set of two, intact complete pairs are the preferred configuration for collectors.
About the Artist
Kai & Sunny are a London-based artistic duo, Kai Clements and Sunny Todd, who met at art college and have collaborated since the late 1990s. They are known for intricate, hand-drawn line work exploring nature, patterns, and the forces of the natural world, often rendered as flowing, wind-swept compositions. Beyond fine-art prints and installations, they have built a notable design career, including celebrated collaborations with author Ben Okri and cover artwork for Penguin's editions of J.G. Ballard. Their editions are published in tightly controlled runs and have been exhibited internationally.
Collecting Kai & Sunny at Gauntlet Gallery
What Kai & Sunny works should I collect?
Their signed, numbered silkscreen editions, often featuring metallic inks, blind embossing, and hand-finished detail, are the heart of the market. Foil and layered prints in small runs are especially collectible. Gauntlet Gallery selects pieces in pristine condition with crisp embossing and complete signing.
How is authenticity handled?
Kai & Sunny editions are offered with documented studio provenance and the duo's signature and numbering. We photograph the specific piece you will receive, including signature, edition number, and any embossing, so every detail is verifiable before you buy.
What drives value?
Small edition sizes, special finishes (foil, embossing, hand-work), condition, and provenance from a documented release drive value. Sold-out, low-numbered, and specially finished editions command the strongest premiums.