The Art of Serigraphy

Serigraphy, also known as silk-screen printing, is a meticulous fine art printing process that transforms an original artwork into a limited-edition collectible print. Unlike standard reproductions or posters, each serigraph is created by hand, layer by layer, using individual screens for every color in the composition.

The process begins with the original painting being carefully separated into its individual color components. A separate screen is then created for each color. Ink is pulled manually across the screen onto archival paper using a squeegee, allowing only the selected areas of color to pass through. This process is repeated many times — sometimes requiring dozens or even hundreds of layers — until the final image is complete.

Because each color is applied individually, serigraphy preserves the richness, texture, and vibrancy of the original artwork in a way that digital printing cannot replicate. Slight variations between prints are natural and are part of what makes each piece unique.

Fine art serigraphs are typically produced in limited editions, hand-signed and numbered by the artist, making them highly collectible works of art rather than mass-produced prints.

For John Nieto, serigraphy became a powerful medium to preserve the intensity of his colors, bold forms, and expressive energy while allowing collectors access to some of his most iconic imagery.