People often ask me and I myself have wondered why don’t I ever limit my editions of photography. In retrospect the answer is so clear.

Limited Editions- a very widely practiced concept in the art domain that is, I still am unable to fathom the entire purpose behind it. Without offending any pioneers of art, I do not believe in limiting my prints. The reason behind it is quite naïve, uncontroversial and simple. I am an artist and all I need is eyes to appreciate like a teacher needs empty minds to mould. I love art for arts sake!


I feel proud to sign, date and Title my photographs. But going against the norms, I do not feel tempted to restrict the editions as I feel that every piece of art is beautiful. May it be 1/25 or 24/25. 24/25 did not require less skill or less effort! It’s high time to come out of the illusion!


Different people, different mindset, varied outlook; some view art as an enjoyment, some view it as an escape, some as pride and treat it as a heritage, some view it as an investment. For the latter, I cannot and should not limit my editions and restrict the former to which even I belong from this privilege of enjoying something so beautiful commonly called as art.


As a passionate photographer who gets his brilliance through the lens in paper from the abundance of nature, I feel it’s my responsibility to pay homage to the maxim, art for arts sake. I believe in selling my art to anyone who knows how to value it- from investors to simpletons.


Why do artists and passionate painters limit their brilliant work to a limited few?
It is indeed a very old emotion of having the pleasure of attaining something that’s not easily unattainable. Flipping through the pages of history, we would come through numerous historical wars and events that have only taken place due to something that’s unattainable, unachievable and the competition among the greatest to possess it. While some has succeeded, some great heroes have laid down their lives for it.


The feeling of something ebbing away makes a thing rare. A piece of such rare beauty does make the creator immortal too! But alas, it all boils down to a simple thing that’s far from art called pride. And as often seen only the privileged in the society can have an access to such pieces of beauty as they are limited and are priced more than gold.


Artists limit their work for the same reason why curios are collected all over the world. Because something that’s limited is rare. And possessing something that’s rare makes you a who’s who in the human society, needless mentioning the net worth of the art owned by them. Having a limited edition makes you the crème de la crème of the society, both the artist and his buyer. Indeed it’s sad to see art vanishing in the blanket of a hierarchical society.


The artist in Yaroslav
I do not refute, discourage or point a finger to the connoisseurs who collect art as an investment or to display their taste. I just exercise my right as an artist to express myself. I do not believe in restricting art to a chosen few because to me, any one who appreciates art is worthy of art itself.


Besides the pretty obvious fact that artists gain a handsome profit from selling limited editions, limiting your photograph does not resolve the problem for other potential customers who believe in art as a beauty in its own right. And I believe in sharing art, in spreading the unlimited beauty that nature has to unfurl. When I see through my lenses, I see limitless beauty. And I’m simply too inspired by the limitless abundance to put a restriction.


Art has grown roots today and people are more knowledgeable, more aware of the value of art. Gone are the days when portraits could be seen only in the hallway of the rich men. Today photography or art to be wider, has found a place in every one’s heart and space. These are changing times.


And in these changing times selling limited editions to a niche audience may fall short of room for art recognition. Hence, it should be reconsidered with opening doors for art to every single individual who values it. After all, how could an artist recognize the true magnitude of importance his work could get, if he is known only to a niche?


I personally refrain from adopting the concept of limited editions for my work as I truly believe that the essence of art is showcased when it welcomes each individual as a buyer or admirer and not to people who treats it just as an investment.