Identification

Danny Dennis 'Killer Whale' Northwest Coast Serigraph, c.1980s-1990s

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a striking Northwest Coast Indigenous art print depicting a stylized killer whale (orca), created by the renowned Gitxsan artist Danny Dennis.

Story

Danny Dennis is a recognized Gitxsan artist from British Columbia, known for his traditional formline designs, printmaking, and jewelry. This piece, titled 'Killer Whale', reflects the cultural symbolism of the Pacific Northwest Coast and was likely produced during the peak of the Indigenous printmaking revival in the 1980s to 1990s. The secondary market for late 20th-century Northwest Coast Indigenous serigraphs is stable, with consistent demand for established artists like Danny Dennis.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Based on the visible details, the print features a traditional black, red, and teal-green palette that appears to have retained good color saturation. The pencil signature and title remain clearly legible along the bottom margin.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for late 20th-century Northwest Coast Indigenous serigraphs is stable, with consistent demand for established artists like Danny Dennis. Buyers are typically regional collectors, gallery patrons, and interior decorators looking for authentic Pacific Northwest aesthetics. Pieces in this accessible 8x10 size move reliably in the $150-$250 range as entry points for collectors, though they lack the premium of large-format or highly limited early editions.

Value Drivers

▲ Hand-signed and titled in pencil by recognized Gitxsan artist Danny Dennis confirms authenticity and artist involvement.

▲ Classic Northwest Coast formline design in a traditional three-color palette appeals strongly to regional collectors.

▲ Accessible 8x10 size makes it highly marketable for standard framing and casual buyers.

Concerns

▼ Unverified edition number — if this is an open edition rather than a limited run, it could cap the high-end retail value.

▼ Unverified mounting method — if the print is glued down or shows acid burn under a mat, value would drop toward the $100-$150 floor.

Best Venue

List on a broad secondary marketplace like eBay or Etsy with a Buy-It-Now price of $250, accepting offers down to $175. Ensure the listing highlights the hand-signed pencil signature, the artist's Gitxsan heritage, and includes clear, well-lit photos of the margins. If the piece is framed, verify and state whether the glass and matting are acid-free to appeal to serious collectors.

Upside Potential

If the print is confirmed to be a very low limited edition number (e. g., under 50) or an Artist's Proof (A/P) in pristine, unframed condition, it could push toward the $300+ retail tier.

Authenticity Risk

medium

While the pencil signature and title are visible and consistent with Danny Dennis's known practices, the print market carries inherent risks of photomechanical reproductions being sold as original serigraphs. Verifying the ink layer under magnification (ensuring it is a solid screenprint rather than a dotted digital/offset print) is recommended, though the accessible price point reduces the likelihood of deliberate forgery.