Richard Prince's Instagram Appropriations at Gagosian Question Value and Ethics in Digital Age

From September 19 to October 25, 2014, Richard Prince showcased 40 inkjet-printed pieces called "New Portraits" at Gagosian Gallery in New York. The artworks were created by Prince browsing Instagram for selfies of young women, commenting on them, screenshotting the results, and having them printed at a size of 65 x 48 inches. This exhibition came after a 2011 ruling by a U.S. District Court, which deemed Prince's use of Patrick Cariou's photographs in his 2008 "Canal Zone" show as copyright infringement. According to Artnet, between January 2011 and August 2014, Prince's art sold for $106,995,896 on the secondary market, placing him seventh among living artists, ahead of Damien Hirst and Peter Doig. His approach resembles Facebook's model of turning free content into profitable assets, emphasizing wealth concentration. The comments he adds—such as "I remember this so well, glad we had the tent" on a Kate Moss photo—act as signatures in an Internet troll style. In contrast to Santiago Sierra's ethically provocative performances, Prince's work exists within a moral void, prompting audiences to reflect on their role in an art market that promotes the idea that "greed is good." Although the centennial of the readymade has recently passed, rendering re-photography less groundbreaking, Prince's stance remains radical due to its ethical implications.