About
First of its kind, THE UNIQUE SWITCH offers the opportunity to purchase a limited edition print of photographic art at its effective value by adhering to the simple principle:
- The edition number is the price tag*.
The edition size has been limited to only 1.000 unique fine art prints.
Half of the benefits realized will be equally divided and donated to nonprofit organizations that help bring light into emerging worlds: Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner based in Luxembourg and the European Cultural Foundation based in the Netherlands.
THE UNIQUE SWITCH has been conceived by Luxembourgish visual artist Jean Bettingen and is supported by Her Royal Highness, Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, president of the European Cultural Foundation; Mrs Francine Closener, Secretary of State of the Economy; Mr Guy Arendt, Secretary of State for Culture; Mrs Anne Goeres, director of the Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner; Mrs Katherine Watson, director of the European Cultural Foundation; Les Amis des Musées; the Luxembourg House concept store.
*plus taxes & shipping
The print
Chosen for its unique fine art and archival qualities, THE UNIQUE SWITCH uses an absolute classic amongst black-and-white photo papers since the 1860’ – baryta fibre based paper. First, the paper is digitally exposed by a state of the art LightJet laser, which is then developed in a traditional silver halide bath, followed by a fixing and a thorough washing.
The paper’s heavy weight of 315g/m2 makes the print extremely durable and gives it a distinct visual and tactile quality. The thickness of the paper calls for a slow processing as the chemicals need longer to soak into the paper and evidently, the washing and drying require more time. This extensive treatment of the paper results in small variances in the tonal range as well as the paper size, making every single print of THE UNQIUE SWITCH a true unique.
Key Specs
- Ilford baryta photo paper
- cutting-edge laser exposure
- traditional chemical processing
- 315g/m2
- outstanding archival properties
The Relief Seal
Every print bears a positive relief seal with the edition number on the bottom right. For one, this makes the print identifiable an original issued by THE UNIQUE SWITCH and certifies the edition number of the purchased photograph. The relief seal and the edition number are an integral part of the artwork.
The Certificate of Authenticity
A certificate of authenticity accompanies all THE UNIQUE SWITCH limited edition prints. Its key features are a relief seal with the print’s matching edition number and a copy-safe hologram.
Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner (Luxembourg)
For almost 28 years, The Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner has been accompanying children fighting cancer or a rare and life-threatening disease and made it its mission to help improve the physical and psychological condition of the child and his family. Its pluri-disciplinary team offers an individual care taking from the diagnosis all the way to the remission, including assistance with the administrative and financial aspects, psychological and social support as well as recreational activities.
The foundation is exclusively funded by donations and invests any available funds into the direct support of families, onco-paediatric treatment research and awareness campaigns.
European Cultural Foundation "STEP Travel Grants" (Netherlands)
For the past 62 years, The European Cultural Foundation (co-founded in 1954 by the architect of the European Union, Robert Schuman) has brought together ideas, knowledge and experience to maximize the impact of culture across wider Europe and beyond. It is the ECF’s mission to initiate and support cultural exchange and creative expression by fostering the growth of bottom-up action and creativity.
The STEP Travel Grants are designed for young up-and-coming artists and cultural workers to travel between the EU and its bordering countries to explore and to exchange views, skills and inspiration. Each year, the STEP Travel Grants support the mobility of over 200 emerging artist and cultural workers between 50 different EU and neighboring countries.
