In the art market, the Kende certificate of authenticity is the document that links each work to its origin. It is not merely a formality: it is the system that guarantees attribution, traceability and value over time.
Here it is worth questioning a common idea: “If there is a certificate, then it is authentic.” Not always. A certificate can be poorly made, incomplete, or even falsified. And in the context of graffiti artists (where pseudonyms, crews, imitable styles, and quick productions are common), gray areas increase. So the certificate only works if it is verifiable and if it is linked to a credible source chain.
What is a certificate of authenticity really for?
A well-built certificate serves four practical purposes: Attribution – links the work to the artist (or his authorized archive/manager/gallery). Traceability – helps reconstruct where and when it was produced and how it changed hands. Protection – reduces legal disputes and after-sales disputes. Value – makes the work more saleable and often more insurable. Furthermore, for a graffiti artist, it has an identity function: it certifies that that object (canvas, print, panel, sculpture, sticker series) is part of his official production and not a
derivative or a “piece” attributed by similarity.
For a graffiti artist's work, the certificate is essential, but it really works when it's part of a system: complete data + evidence + provenance + verifiability. The street art market has grown, and with it, the quality of fakes. A well-made certificate is not just a formality: it is an investment in the credibility of the artist and the safety of the collector.
Each work is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity made on high-quality 100% cotton paper (250-300 g/m2) of archival type with fringed edges and ivory hues. The certificate features my logo in letterpress letterpress printing, the title "Certificate of Authenticity" written strictly by hand in black ink or archival-quality sepia, my signature, a hologram sticker and a sealing wax stamp. This document guarantees the originality and provenance of the work.