Richard Prince's "New Figures" series marks a significant chapter in the artist's exploration of appropriation, memory, and the alteration of imagery. This series, showcased from October to December 2014 in Paris, encapsulates Prince's fascination with the manipulation of familiar photographs and objects, recontextualizing them to evoke a sense of both the familiar and the alien. By engaging with subjects previously untouched by high art—such as jokes, car parts, and B-girls—Prince sought to create works that resonate with the memory while challenging the viewer's perceptions of authorship and authenticity (Almine Rech).
The "New Figures" and "Cutouts" pieces are particularly noted for their evocation of past eras' imagery, drawing lines back to the elegant lines of Picasso and the scissor-snipped collages of Matisse. These works, however, are infused with a distinctly modern sensibility, blending drawn lines, pale colors, and collaged shapes with found photographs that recall the risqué imagery of the past, now seen through the revolutionary lens of the Woodstock Generation. This approach highlights Prince's mastery in marrying technical and artistic freedom, allowing him to craft pieces that feel both refreshingly contemporary and deeply rooted in artistic tradition (Almine Rech).
The series includes a variety of works, with editions and sales recorded across various platforms, showcasing the broad appeal and the market value of Prince's creations. Notably, some pieces from the "New Figures" series were offered at prices ranging significantly, reflecting the artist's standing in the contemporary art market and the collectors' eagerness to own a piece of this provocative series (Artsy).
Prince's approach to his art and his collecting habits blur the lines between what he collects and what he creates. He has expressed that there's no distinction for him between collecting and creating, as the items he collects often become integral to his art. This method underscores a holistic view of art-making, where the act of collection and creation are intertwined, further enriching the narrative and complexity of works like those found in the "New Figures" series (Artspace).
Richard Prince's work, including the "New Figures" series, challenges traditional boundaries of art, pushing the envelope on issues of copyright and originality. His ability to transform collected images into new, complex works that engage with contemporary and historical art movements cements his position as a significant figure in the modern art world.