Gauntlet Gallery — Ron English Print Index
American Depress
Summary
"American Depress" is a 2012 vinyl toy, edition of 200, standing 12 inches, cast in black vinyl. Ron English presents it as a three-dimensional depiction of "America's Bloated Billionaire," a fetish-object satire whose title puns on the American Express credit-card brand to skewer wealth, consumerism, and national malaise.
Why It Matters
"American Depress" is a full sculptural object rather than a print, showing English's fluency in the designer-toy medium. The credit-card wordplay and "bloated billionaire" theme make it a pointed piece of consumer-and-class critique rendered in glossy black vinyl, extending his satire into collectible three dimensions.
Collector Perspective
As a 12-inch vinyl figure in an edition of 200, this appeals directly to the designer-toy collector market alongside English's print audience. Condition and completeness matter more for vinyl than for paper; confirm the figure is intact, and note that toys of this kind are typically valued as sealed or displayed objects.
Historical Context
English is a major figure in the art-toy movement, and "American Depress" sits within that lineage of vinyl satire. Released in 2012 amid ongoing debates about wealth concentration, its billionaire subject and American Express pun tie it to the post-recession cultural mood the artist frequently targeted.
FAQ
What is American Depress?
A 12-inch black vinyl designer toy depicting a 'bloated billionaire' figure.
What does the title reference?
It puns on American Express to satirize wealth and consumer culture.
What is the edition size?
200.
Is it a print?
No, it is a vinyl sculpture, not a print.
About the Artist
Ron English is an American contemporary artist born in 1959, widely regarded as a founding figure of the "POPaganda" movement, which fuses pop art with political and cultural satire. He is known for subverting corporate advertising and cultural icons, creating characters such as MC Supersized and the three-eyed "Temper Tot," and reimagining figures like Ronald McDonald and cartoon mascots. English has worked across billboards, canvas, murals, and collectible art toys, and his imagery has appeared in films and album covers. His work critiques consumerism, mass media, and branding through a bright, hyper-pop visual language.
Collecting Ron English at Gauntlet Gallery
Where should I begin with Ron English?
Signed, numbered screenprints and giclees featuring his signature characters are strong entry points, while hand-embellished editions and originals sit at the top. His art toys and figures also draw dedicated collectors. Gauntlet Gallery prioritizes clean, well-registered impressions with complete signing.
How is authenticity documented?
Ron English works are sold with documented studio provenance and the artist's signature and numbering. We photograph the exact piece you receive, including the signature and edition details, so you can confirm authenticity before purchase.
What drives Ron English's value?
Iconic characters, edition size, hand-embellishment, condition, and documented provenance are the main value drivers. Low-numbered, embellished, and original works consistently outperform open or larger editions.