Gauntlet Gallery — Ron English Print Index
Breathe Mini Billboard
Summary
"Breathe" Mini Billboard is a 2012 giclée print, edition of 30, about 9.5 inches, and the first release in Ron English's Mini Billboard series. The "Breathe" artwork first appeared in 2005 on a life-size billboard in Jersey City as a satirical jab at the tobacco industry, later miniaturized here into a collectible object.
Why It Matters
As the inaugural Mini Billboard, this piece launched a format that shrank English's guerrilla-billboard practice into a display object. "Breathe" also carries documented public-art history from its 2005 Jersey City installation, giving the small edition a real-world origin in the anti-corporate street work that defined the artist.
Collector Perspective
Being the first entry in the Mini Billboard series adds series-origin appeal to an already small edition of 30. Collectors of English's billboard-liberation legacy get a compact object tied to a specific, dated public installation. Confirm the piece is a signed, numbered example from the 30-count run.
Historical Context
English's reputation was forged on illegally altered billboards that mocked tobacco and fast-food advertising. The 2005 "Breathe" billboard in Jersey City belongs to that campaign, and its 2012 miniaturization folds his activist street history into the collectible market as a self-aware artifact.
FAQ
What is the origin of the Breathe image?
It first appeared in 2005 on a life-size billboard in Jersey City targeting the tobacco industry.
What is its place in the series?
It is the first release in English's Mini Billboard series.
What is the edition size?
30 pieces, about 9.5 inches.
What is the medium?
A giclée print in the Mini Billboard object format.
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.