Up To You © Javier Calleja 2020
Javier Calleja
12 works
Key Takeaways
Javier Calleja's prints demonstrate strong market performance, with standard works fetching between £2,000 and £5,000, while rare editions achieve significantly higher values. His print Tomorrow More (2019) holds the record at £25,280, achieved in Korea where his market is strongest. Authentication requires verification of materials and official gallery documentation from authorised dealers like Avant Arte. Editions typically range from 50 to 100 prints, with special editions as low as 10. Strategic timing of sales following major exhibitions or significant painting sales, such as the record 2021 sale of Waiting For A While (2019), can optimise returns.
Rising Spanish contemporary artist Javier Calleja has captured international attention with his distinctive character-based artwork, which blends kawaii-style aesthetics with contemporary art sensibilities. While primarily known for his paintings and sculptures, his prints have become increasingly sought-after, offering collectors more accessible entry points into his artistic world. His print editions, featuring his signature wide-eyed characters, have helped democratise access to his work while maintaining the whimsical appeal that has made him a significant figure in the contemporary art scene. This guide aims to help sellers of Calleja prints navigate the secondary art market.
Calleja's artistic vision translates particularly well to the print medium, with his clean lines and bold use of colour lending themselves naturally to high-quality reproductions. His limited edition prints typically maintain the same level of visual impact as his original works, capturing the characteristic large eyes, expressive faces, and subtle colour gradients that define his style. Through careful oversight of the printing process, Calleja ensures that each edition maintains the pristine finish and subtle details that collectors have come to expect from his work.
Calleja’s transition into printmaking reflects a broader movement within contemporary art to make high-quality, collectable artwork more accessible. His first significant foray into prints coincided with the rise of online marketplaces and galleries, allowing his work to reach a global audience. His unique blend of innocence and pop culture references makes his prints highly appealing, particularly to younger collectors - an appeal that has been bolstered by collaborations with well-known galleries and publishers, who have helped ensure the consistency and quality of his editions.
How Much Do Javier Calleja Prints Sell For?
Javier Calleja's prints have seen a steady increase in demand, with prices reflecting his growing reputation in the art world. Recent auction results suggest that his prints typically sell for between £2,000 and £5,000, with rare and popular editions fetching much higher prices. Sales made in Asia, particularly Korea, see the highest returns, with Calleja’s aesthetic reflecting Asian cultural movements.
The record sale of a Calleja print occurred at K-Auction in 2021, when Tomorrow More (2019) sold for £25,280. Populated with Kawaii faces, sketchy line art, and pops of colour, Tomorrow More is a quintessential example of Calleja’s style. Up To You (2020), however, may be Calleja’s best-known print. Multiple prints from the edition sold in 2021 alone, achieving prices upwards of £17,000 - a print numbered 70/70 sold for £24,880 in Seoul. Other popular print series that feature similar compositions and imagery include Who’s Speaking… (2019), which sold for £23,864 in 2021, and I Can Wait Without Waiting (2019), which sold for £17,388 in 2021.
Artist’s proofs or printer’s editions are significantly rarer than standard editions and, as a result, achieve much higher prices. For example, a printer’s edition of Redhead (2014) sold in 2021 for £21,735, while a standard edition sold for £12,539 in the same year. Another key driver of value is hand embellishment. A series of Second Chance Always (2021), for example, is hand-finished, which adds uniqueness, texture, and context that always appeals to serious collectors.
The record sale of a Calleja print outside of Asia was the 2022 sale of Up To You (2020) at Christie’s London. The print sold for £17,000; however, while this value was still in excess of the print’s high estimate, the same print has achieved a higher value at auction in Asia. A broker or appraiser specialising in Calleja’s work will be able to advise you on entering the right market and help you manage the logistics of selling abroad.
How Do You Authenticate a Javier Calleja Print?
Authentication of a Calleja print begins with thorough examination of its provenance. Given the artist's rising popularity and the increasing value of his work, establishing authenticity is crucial for any potential sale. Documentation should include certificates of authenticity, original purchase receipts, and any gallery documentation from authorised dealers of Calleja's work.
Some technical analysis will enable you to position your print within Calleja’s body of work. As an example, check the type of paper against Calleja’s known preferences. Most of his prints are printed on high-grade paper such as Arches Velin. Similarly, look for the type and finish of the ink and any embellished details.
Collectors and sellers alike should seek to cross-reference their print against official records. While no formal catalogue raisonné for Calleja’s prints exists, you might turn to the records of reputable galleries and publishers who have exclusive relationships with the artist. Many of Calleja’s prints, for example, are published with Avant Arte in Amsterdam. Some editions will also feature a specially made embossed stamp unique to the artist and edition. Details such as this will be picked up by specialist brokers, appraisers, or publishers, such as Avant Arte.
Edition & Signature
Calleja’s signature typically appears in pencil, in the bottom right-hand corner of his prints. The edition number is usually written as a fraction on the left. The artist’s signature is distinctive, bold, and playful, reflecting the character of his art, often accompanied by a small pair of cartoon eyes. His limited editions generally range from 50 to 100 copies, with some special editions going as low as 10, making them especially rare and valuable. Artist’s proofs, marked “AP,” are also highly desirable due to their limited number and subtle variations from the main edition.
Browse Javier Calleja prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about the print market growth on the MAB100 Print Index.
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Has Your Javier Calleja Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
The value of a Calleja print depends heavily on its condition, with particular attention paid to the preservation of his characteristic bold colours and precise linework. The vibrancy of his prints, especially in the distinctive eyes of his characters and their subtle facial expressions, must be maintained to preserve both aesthetic impact and market value. Any fading or discolouration can significantly affect the work's appeal to collectors.
Calleja’s prints are typically produced on high-quality archival paper, such as cotton-based or acid-free papers, which are durable but still susceptible to damage if not properly cared for. High levels of humidity can cause the paper to warp, and mould can spread - the damage from both can be irreversible. Vivid ink pigments, as used in Calleja’s prints, are more prone to fading if left exposed to direct sunlight or artificial light for prolonged periods.
When assessing condition, examine the paper for any signs of damage such as creases, tears, or indentations. Pay particular attention to the edges and corners, as these areas are most susceptible to handling damage. The surface should be free from any scratches or abrasions that could interrupt the smooth, clean aesthetic that defines Calleja's work.
For optimal preservation, store prints in a controlled environment away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If framing is desired, use UV-protective glass and acid-free mounting to prevent degradation. Handle prints only while wearing clean cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils or dirt to the surface.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Javier Calleja print, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Javier Calleja Print?
The market for Calleja's work has shown significant growth in recent years, particularly in Asia where his aesthetic strongly resonates with collectors. The timing of your sale should be influenced by several factors, including major exhibitions, institutional acquisitions, and broader market trends in contemporary art.
Recent exhibitions, such as his recent solo shows in Hong Kong and at major international art fairs like Art Basel and Frieze in London, have sparked renewed interest in his work. Events such as these tend to push market prices higher as his visibility increases.
As a prolific and active artist, one of the biggest influences on Calleja’s print market is the release and sale of original works. An enormous surge of interest across Calleja’s print market in 2021 can be attributed to the record sale of Waiting For A While (2019), which broke $1million for the first time in the artist’s career. The string of record print sales that followed took Calleja’s print market above £20,000 for individual prints.
The best way to keep track of sale trends is to follow auction results and value trajectory reports on the websites of major auction houses. These reports are freely available, and can reveal patterns of demand that can guide you in deciding whether or not to enter the market yet.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell. Our MyPortfolio service features an AI-powered value indicator that provides real-time valuations of individual prints based on both public and private sales data. Combined with our complimentary valuations, we can help ensure your print achieves maximum value by selling at the perfect moment.
Where Can I Sell My Javier Calleja Print?
Selling a Javier Calleja Via a Broker
Art brokers who specialise in contemporary prints can provide a more personalised approach to selling Calleja's work. These professionals often maintain networks of collectors specifically interested in contemporary figurative art and emerging artists. Their targeted approach can be particularly effective for Calleja's prints, given the distinct collector base that appreciates his unique aesthetic. Working with a broker typically involves lower fees than auction houses, generally ranging from 10% to 20%. The privacy of private sales can also help protect the market value of your print, regardless of the final sale price. Brokers can also provide valuable insights into current market conditions and advise on the best timing to maximise the sale value of your print, as well as handle complex logistics such as transportation and insurance, guiding sellers and simplifying the process.
Selling a Javier Calleja Via Auction House
Contemporary art auctions at major houses have increasingly featured Calleja's work, offering sellers access to an international collector base. These venues provide extensive marketing reach and the potential for competitive bidding among informed collectors. The format can be particularly effective for rare or early prints that might appeal to serious collectors tracking Calleja's market trajectory. However, auction house fees typically reach 25% of the hammer price (usually to cover marketing, shipping, insurance, and cataloguing), and there's inherent unpredictability in the auction process. Your print might exceed expectations or fail to meet its reserve price, potentially affecting future market value. Additionally, auction house timelines are fixed, which means you may have to wait for the right sale event to list your work, potentially delaying your sale.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling a Javier Calleja Via Online Marketplace
Digital platforms have transformed the art market, offering new avenues for selling contemporary prints. These venues might seem particularly appropriate for Calleja's work, given his strong social media presence and appeal to younger collectors. However, the online marketplace presents unique challenges for high-value prints. Without proper authentication protocols and expert guidance, sellers risk undervaluing their work or attracting suspicious buyers. If considering an online sale, choose specialised fine art platforms with robust verification processes and experience handling contemporary editions. Check the platform’s policies around returns, shipping, and buyer protections, as these can affect both the ease of sale and the final price. Keep in mind that while online platforms offer convenience, they may lack the personalised service and expertise that brokers or auction houses provide.
Why Sell Your Javier Calleja with MyArtBroker?
A Dedicated Broker
MyArtBroker offers a distinctive service connecting clients with their dedicated personal broker, ensuring a secure transaction through our online digital platform. Our specialists excel at sourcing direct buyers for consigned prints via our live trading floor, where users within our extensive network can express interest in specific prints and multiples by particular artists, whether they intend to sell, buy, or simply enquire about a specific print. Our team is approachable, passionate, and consistently provides updates on the art market and artists. We guide sellers through a seamless transaction process, establishing a fair market valuation based on realistic sale prices and offering free advice on the optimal timing for selling, leveraging our extensive knowledge of the art market.
Minimise Risk
At MyArtBroker, we prioritise transparency and security in every art sale. Our stringent due diligence process ensures the authentication and verification of artwork provenance, drawing upon our in-house expertise and collaborating with professional external contacts when needed. This approach effectively mitigates the risk of trading counterfeit or stolen art pieces. Additionally, we minimise the risks associated with public sales. While public auctions may seem appealing, unsold prints can harm an artist's market. Private sales eliminate this risk and enable quicker liquidity release for your artwork compared to adhering to strict auction schedules dictating when your work can be offered for sale
0% Seller's Fees, 100% of the Time
Our team of specialists offers tailored services to procure rare and special edition prints, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the market. As part of our standard practice, we provide complimentary valuations and charge zero seller's fees, setting us apart from other private brokers and traditional auction houses. By minimising overhead costs, we allocate resources towards digital innovation and targeted marketing strategies within our network and house magazine.
When it comes to selling artwork, achieving the best price hinges on accessing a niche market with an established collector community. If you're looking to sell a print, turning to a specialist in the print market, like MyArtBroker, yields superior results compared to approaching an auction house, which caters to broader categories of artwork.
Our Network
Through our live trading floor we empower our network of collectors, fundamentally reshaping the art investment and trading landscape in the digital era. Offering real time market data and insights gleaned from worldwide collectors, we establish value based on convenience, accessibility, and the exceptional level of transparency and security provided to over tens of thousands of users.
Read our cohesive report to navigate the art market as a seller: A Guide to Selling Prints in the Current Market.
Javier Calleja Collection Management with MyPortfolio
In addition to our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a collection management system, empowering collectors to curate and oversee their prints and editions collection. This feature grants users access to our print market database, uniquely tied to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm scans and analyses both public auction and private sales data to determine real time valuations of individual print works, factoring in various aspects such as condition, colour, and other factors affecting value.
Read What Powers MyArtBroker's Technology? In Conversation With Stuart Jamieson, Financial Quant to learn more about our algorithm.
