Why I Decided to Begin Issuing Certificates of Authenticity with My Artwork, by Australian artist and industry insider, Rob Kennedy

Why I Decided to Begin Issuing Certificates of Authenticity with My Artwork, by Australian artist and industry insider, Rob Kennedy

For many years, I viewed Certificates of Authenticity (CoAs) with a certain degree of scepticism. Like many artists, I questioned their actual purpose and practical value. At the most basic level, a traditional CoA is simply a printed piece of paper containing information about an artwork — the title, artist name, edition number, medium, and signature. In isolation, it can appear meaningless. After all, paper itself does not prove authenticity. Anyone with modern printing equipment can reproduce a certificate just as easily as they can reproduce an image. Because of this, I originally believed CoAs were more ceremonial than functional, serving primarily as marketing tools rather than genuine protection for artists or collectors.

Over time, however, my perspective began to change.

The turning point came when I witnessed another artist — someone selling limited-edition prints in the five-figure range — become the victim of widespread reproduction theft. His works had gained substantial popularity and market value, but because little effort had been made to implement authentication or anti-counterfeiting measures, unauthorised copies began appearing online and in secondary markets. Reproductions flooded collector spaces, social media marketplaces, and unofficial print sellers. Some copies were openly advertised as reproductions, while others were presented deceptively as legitimate prints.

What struck me most was not simply the theft itself, but the broader consequences it had on the artist’s market. Once collectors lose confidence in the authenticity and scarcity of an artwork, the perceived value of the legitimate editions begins to weaken. Scarcity is a major component of value in the print market. When buyers become uncertain whether a print is genuine or one of countless unauthorised copies, hesitation replaces confidence. In many ways, the damage caused by reproduction theft extends far beyond financial loss. It undermines trust, reputation, and the integrity of the artist’s body of work.

Watching this situation unfold forced me to reconsider my earlier assumptions about Certificates of Authenticity and artwork protection in general.

I realised that while a plain paper certificate may indeed have limited value on its own, the act of formally authenticating and documenting artwork still serves an important purpose. A CoA creates a professional record that links the artwork to the artist, the edition, and the point of sale. More importantly, when paired with additional security measures — such as embossing, serialised holograms, archival records, or tamper-evident markings — it becomes part of a broader authentication system rather than just an isolated sheet of paper.

The reality is that technology has made reproduction easier than ever before. High-resolution scanners, advanced printers, AI enhancement tools, and online marketplaces have dramatically lowered the barrier for counterfeiters. Today, reproductions can be created with extraordinary accuracy, often convincing enough to mislead inexperienced buyers. As artists, we can no longer assume that simply signing a print is sufficient protection against misuse or unauthorised duplication.

In many ways, issuing a Certificate of Authenticity is not only about increasing value — it is about taking responsibility for the long-term integrity of the artwork. Collectors invest not only in the visual object itself, but also in the trust surrounding it. They want reassurance that the edition is genuine, controlled, and traceable. By introducing authentication measures, I am acknowledging the realities of the modern art market and responding proactively rather than reactively.

This decision also reflects a broader respect for collectors. Anyone purchasing artwork deserves confidence in what they are acquiring. A properly issued CoA helps establish that relationship of trust between artist and buyer. It demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and care for the artwork’s future presence in the market.

Importantly, my opinion regarding plain paper certificates has not entirely changed. I still believe that a certificate alone is insufficient if it lacks meaningful verification or security features. A generic document without traceability remains vulnerable to forgery and manipulation. However, I now understand that authentication is not about the paper itself — it is about the system surrounding it. The certificate becomes valuable when it forms part of a larger framework of provenance, documentation, and anti-counterfeiting protection.

Ultimately, my decision to begin issuing Certificates of Authenticity comes from a desire to protect both my work and the people who choose to collect it. The art world has changed significantly, and reproduction theft has become an unavoidable reality for successful artists. Rather than waiting for problems to emerge, I believe it is wiser to establish protective measures early, maintain clear records, and create stronger confidence around the authenticity of my editions.

In today’s environment, authentication is no longer merely an optional extra. It has become part of the responsibility of being a professional artist operating within an increasingly digital and easily reproducible marketplace.