The word giclée (pronounced Zhee-clay) originates from a French term meaning, “to spray.” This alludes to the technology used for giclée printing, in which pigmented inks are “sprayed” on a substrate, in this case a high quality fine art paper that is acid-free.

A giclée can be defined as follows:

High fidelity, archival quality digital reproduction of a two-dimensional artwork, generally consisting of a limited quantity of copies numbered and signed by the artist. The final reproduction is crafted using pigmented inks.

A giclée is generally the closest reproduction that can be made of an original two-dimensional artwork. Furthermore, giclées can be printed on a variety of art papers with different textures and tonalities, as well as different types of canvas. These characteristics provide artists with the opportunity to offer to the public high-quality artworks, in limited editions at reasonable price. The public has been very receptive to this type of printing and art galleries and even museums are exhibiting giclées. (Including the Chicago Art Institute and the LA County Museum)

As with all artwork it should be cared for by keeping it away of the direct sunlight and away form high humidity areas. It should be framed using all archival (acid free) components. This means they will not dry out, deteriorate or turn color over time. The mats, backing board and hinging tape or mounting components I use are of the highest archival quality. Plexi-glass U/V protection in place of glass another suggestion, as this not only helps protect from the sun but also condensation.

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