Gauntlet Gallery — Ron English Print Index
Close Encounter Intuition
Summary
"Close Encounter Intuition" is a signed and numbered limited edition of 25, with an 18 by 23 inch image on a 22 by 27 inch sheet. The very small run and generous paper margins mark it as a deliberately scarce paper edition within English's 2017 output, hand-signed and hand-numbered by the artist.
Why It Matters
An edition of just 25 places this among English's scarcer paper works, where small runs sharply limit availability. The distinct image-to-sheet ratio, an 18x23 image floated on a 22x27 sheet, signals a fine-art presentation intended for archival framing rather than a mass poster release.
Collector Perspective
With only 25 signed examples, sourcing this piece takes patience. Confirm the pencil signature and numbering, and note the full 22x27 sheet size when framing to preserve the intended margins. As a 2017 paper edition, flat storage and UV-protected glazing are the essential condition safeguards.
Historical Context
English's 2017 paper editions frequently ran in small, hand-signed batches aimed at collectors rather than the broad merch market. The title's UFO-adjacent "close encounter" theme fits his taste for surreal, culturally loaded imagery, delivered here as a tightly limited, gallery-oriented print.
FAQ
How scarce is this print?
It is a signed and numbered limited edition of only 25.
What are the image and sheet sizes?
An 18 x 23 inch image on a 22 x 27 inch sheet.
Is it hand-signed?
Yes, it is signed and numbered by the artist.
How should it be framed?
Frame to the full 22 x 27 sheet with UV-protective glazing to preserve the margins.
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.