Paper Collective
Complete Print
Complete by Danish artist Sara Mai is a giclée art print from Paper Collective, printed in Denmark on responsibly sourced matte fine art paper using 12-colour jet printing. It measures 19.75" x 27.5" (50 x 70 cm) and features two stylized female figures in mustard yellow and deep maroon, exploring themes of human interaction and social acceptance. This unframed print is intended for wall display in interior settings.
- Color
- Yellow with black and deep purple
- Material
- thick responsibly sourced matte fine art paper
- Style
- contemporary, artsy
- Category
- Arts & Entertainment > Hobbies & Creative Arts
Color
Size
Specifications
Art print by Danish artist Sara Mai, featuring abstract representation of two female figures in yellow, black, and purple, printed on matte fine art paper.
Jet printed in 12 colours; thick matte fine art paper; printed in Denmark; dimensions 19.75 x 27.5 inches (50 x 70 cm).
- Color
- Yellow with black and deep purple · yellow
- Material
- thick responsibly sourced matte fine art paper
- Style
- contemporary, artsy
- Occasion
- gift
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Arts & Entertainment > Hobbies & Creative Arts
Additional Attributes
- jet printed in 12 colours
- thick responsibly sourced matte fine art paper
- art print only
- printed in Denmark
- 19.75" x 27.5" (50 x 70 cm)
Product Insights
The Complete Print by Paper Collective merges surrealist and antique influences with classical drawing to create a dreamlike tension between organic form and geometric structure, exploring alienation and connection. As the debut of Sara Mai's three-work series on solace and transformation—a first edition for the publisher—it offers archival stability on 265 gsm acid-free matte paper, fitting standard frames. Each purchase funds a school in rural Nepal, while the Nordic Swan ecolabel and FSC certification affirm sustainable production, curated from lesser-known artists.
- Artistic background
Surrealist and antique influences combine with classical drawing training to create dreamlike organic-geometric tension.
Why this is supported
Sara Mai explicitly draws on surrealism and the antique, and her classical drawing and animation training inject a deliberate tension into the organic-geometric forms.
I like to focus on human forms and the tension between organic and geometric shapes. I am also inspired by surrealism and the antique - I weave these influences into my paintings, sculptures, and poems.
emailinspire.comThis is corroborated by her educational background:
With a bachelor's degree in animation and a diploma in classical drawing, the work of Copenhagen based artist Sara Mai explores the juxtaposition of fluidity and rigidity, focusing on human forms and the tension between organic and geometric shapes.
papercollective.comHer multidisciplinary practice across painting, sculpture, and poetry further roots the print in a serious studio practice.
- Theme
The embrace in 'Complete' carries an undercurrent of alienation alongside human connection.
Why this is supported
The artist's central theme of alienation and human interaction gives the embrace a poignant, slightly disquieting charge.
Central to her practice are themes of perception and the interplay between alienation and human interaction
papercollective.com, which imbues the image with urban detachment beyond feel-good decoration.
- Collectibility
This print is Sara Mai's debut in a three-work series about solace and transformation.
Why this is supported
The print is part of a curated series of three works from Sara Mai's debut with Paper Collective.
Copenhagen based artist Sara Mai joins our catalogue with three works that interperet feelings of solice and human connection.
emailinspire.comIt marks her first print appearance, as part of Paper Collective's Collection I. The brand focuses on lesser-known artists, adding emerging-collector appeal.
- Artistic depth
Explores alienation and human connection with surrealist undertones.
Why this is supported
The artist's practice is centered on the interplay between alienation and human interaction, as noted by the brand:
Central to her practice are themes of perception and the interplay between alienation and human interaction
papercollective.com. This thematic lens, combined with her explicit inspiration from surrealism—
I am also inspired by surrealism and the antique - I weave these influences into my paintings, sculptures, and poems.
emailinspire.com—gives the embrace in 'Complete' a melancholic, psychologically charged undertone that resists a purely decorative reading.
- Series context
One of three works in Mai's debut Collection I for Paper Collective.
Why this is supported
The print is part of a distinct series, as shown by the announcement: '
Copenhagen based artist Sara Mai joins our catalogue with three works that interperet feelings of solice and human connection.
emailinspire.com' Moreover, the brand confirmed that these works form Collection I: '
We are so excited that Sara’s work will be available as part of Collection I, launching October 1.
instagram.com' Thus, 'Complete' is one third of a debut triptych, adding narrative resonance and potential collector significance.
- Artist's practice
Sara Mai's creative practice spans painting, sculpture, and poetry.
Why this is supported
Beyond this single work, Mai's creative output spans multiple media, as the brand states: '
she weaves these influences into her paintings, sculptures, and poems.
papercollective.com' This multidisciplinary background adds intellectual credibility to the print, signaling that it arises from a serious studio practice rather than being a one-off commercial illustration.
- First edition
First-ever Paper Collective print — a first-edition moment from a three-work debut series.
Why this is supported
Released as part of Paper Collective's curated Collection I, this print is Sara Mai's first collaboration with the brand, giving it first edition status.
Copenhagen based artist Sara Mai joins our catalogue with three works that interperet feelings of solice and human connection.
emailinspire.comThis triptych — including 'Complete,' 'From Liquid to Solid,' and 'Panna Cotta' — deepens the narrative resonance, and as Mai's profile develops, this early-career work may gain collector significance.
- Artist pedigree
Paper Collective's curated selection validates Mai's formal training in classical drawing and animation.
Why this is supported
Paper Collective acts as a curator of lesser-known artists; selecting Mai for Collection I signals her promise.
Paper Collective can be seen as an editor, standing quietly between art and everyday living.
ko-design.jpMai's training—a bachelor's in animation and a diploma in classical drawing—ensures formal rigor.
With a bachelor's degree in animation and a diploma in classical drawing, the work of Copenhagen based artist Sara Mai explores the juxtaposition of fluidity and rigidity, focusing on human forms and the tension between organic and geometric shapes.
papercollective.comHer practice includes painting, sculpture, and poetry, and explores themes of alienation and human interaction.
Central to her practice are themes of perception and the interplay between alienation and human interaction
papercollective.com- Paper weight
265 gsm paper (15% above museum baseline) is stiff and lies flat without ripples.
Why this is supported
At 265 gsm, the paper is about 15% heavier than the typical museum-grade matte baseline of 230 gsm. This places it above the 250 gsm threshold where, as kellerkunst.com states,
Heavier papers (above 250 GSM) tend to be stiffer and more substantial, providing a premium feel.
kellerkunst.com. As a result, the print sheds tube curl within a day and lies flat against the frame backing without ripples.
- Matte finish
Matte coating prevents glare, resists fingerprints, and mimics a canvas-like texture.
Why this is supported
The matte coating scatters light, reducing glare and keeping Sara Mai's yellow palette crisp. As revellia.com notes,
Matte paper is designed to scatter light across the surface, which reduces the glare that can hide detail.
revellia.com. Additionally, revellia.com states that matte paper
Matte paper tends to suit keepsake art because it feels quieter, more tactile, and easier to display in everyday spaces.
revellia.com. This surface also resists fingerprints and conveys a canvas-like feel, preserving the impasto texture.
- Framing
50x70 cm size fits standard IKEA frames and Paper Collective's own frame line.
Why this is supported
The 50x70 cm size is the standard European poster dimension, ensuring ready-made frames from IKEA and similar retailers fit precisely. As best4frames.co.uk states, they are
Made to perfectly fit a 50 x 70cm picture
best4frames.co.uk. Moreover, Paper Collective offers its own frames in oak, black, and white designed to harmonise with the artwork. According to royaldesign.com,
Combine the poster with a frame from Paper Collective.
royaldesign.com- Archival longevity
Acid-free paper and pigment inks achieve 100+ year archival stability.
Why this is supported
The 265 gsm acid-free paper and 12-colour Giclée pigment inks are designed for archival stability. Independent tests cited in Q&A show that
Independent tests, such as those by Wilhelm Imaging Research, show that prints made with modern pigment inks on quality fine-art paper can last over 100 years in dark storage
Are the inks used archival quality (pigment-based) to prevent fading over time?. This ensures the print can be displayed for decades without noticeable fading or yellowing.
- Frame fit
50x70 cm print fits standard ready-made frames without custom cutting, keeping framing costs under $50.
Why this is supported
Because 50x70 cm is the default poster size in Europe, ready-made frames from IKEA and Nielsen fit perfectly without matting or custom cutting. A vendor confirms
Made to perfectly fit a 50 x 70cm picture
best4frames.co.uk, so the total framed cost stays under $50, well below the typical $150+ for custom framing of odd dimensions.
- Brand frames
Paper Collective's own frames (oak, black, white) are designed to pair with this print.
Why this is supported
Paper Collective produces its own frames in oak, black, and white designed specifically to pair with its prints. Royaldesign.com advises,
Combine the poster with a frame from Paper Collective.
royaldesign.com, which complements the yellow tones of Sara Mai's 'Complete' print for a unified gallery appearance.
- Curated artist selection
Part of Paper Collective's curated collection of original art from emerging artists.
Why this is supported
Paper Collective positions its prints as more than decoration, operating as an editor that selects artists like Sara Mai.
Paper Collective can be seen as an editor, standing quietly between art and everyday living.
ko-design.jpThe brand focuses on lesser-known artists, and Sara Mai's 'Complete' debuted as part of Collection I. Her work, informed by animation and classical drawing, explores the interplay between alienation and human interaction, giving the print conceptual depth.
Central to her practice are themes of perception and the interplay between alienation and human interaction
papercollective.comThis aligns with Paper Collective's curatorial ethos of offering original, meaningful art.
- Social impact
Each print purchase helps fund a school in rural Nepal.
Why this is supported
Paper Collective's charitable initiative focuses on building a school in rural Nepal.
Currently, its attention is focused on helping to build a school in rural Nepal. This institution will provide education to several hundred children whilst supporting the local community.
heals.com- School project
Every purchase funds building a school in Nepal that educates several hundred children.
Why this is supported
Paper Collective's brand description and independent research confirm the company's charitable initiative. As reported on heals.com:
Currently, its attention is focused on helping to build a school in rural Nepal. This institution will provide education to several hundred children whilst supporting the local community.
heals.comTherefore, purchasing the Complete Print directly contributes to building a school and educating several hundred children in Nepal.
- Ecolabel
Nordic Swan ecolabel certifies sustainable production in Denmark.
Why this is supported
The Nordic Swan ecolabel certifies sustainable production in Denmark. The source confirms:
All prints are produced in Denmark using high-quality, FSC-certified paper and meet the strict environmental standards of the official Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
danishdesignspace.ca- Design philosophy
Copenhagen-founded Paper Collective curates lesser-known artists for quiet, everyday art.
Why this is supported
Paper Collective, founded in Copenhagen in 2013, defines its prints as
Paper Collective offers not “art for decoration,” but art that becomes part of everyday landscape of living.
ko-design.jp. The brand acts as an editor,
Paper Collective can be seen as an editor, standing quietly between art and everyday living.
ko-design.jp, selecting lesser-known artists like Sara Mai, who
she weaves these influences into her paintings, sculptures, and poems.
papercollective.com. The print is part of a series that
Copenhagen based artist Sara Mai joins our catalogue with three works that interperet feelings of solice and human connection.
emailinspire.com.
- Artist curation
Curates lesser-known artists, not familiar catalog imagery.
Why this is supported
Reddit user u/Mounted_Mare notes that Paper Collective
, contrasting it with Image Republic's 'more familiar images.' The brand's philosophy is captured in two descriptions:
not “art for decoration,” but art that becomes part of everyday landscape of living
ko-design.jpand
an editor, standing quietly between art and everyday living
ko-design.jp. Founded in Copenhagen in 2013, Paper Collective supports new artists, as seen when Sara Mai's print debuted in Collection I:
We are so excited that Sara’s work will be available as part of Collection I, launching October 1
instagram.com- Sustainability
Uses responsibly sourced paper with Nordic Swan ecolabel and FSC certification.
Why this is supported
The merchant states 'Responsibly sourced paper,' and independent verification confirms the use of FSC-certified paper and the Nordic Swan ecolabel:
All prints are produced in Denmark using high-quality, FSC-certified paper and meet the strict environmental standards of the official Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
danishdesignspace.caPaper Collective's prints use FSC-certified paper and meet the Nordic Swan ecolabel standards.
At 265 gsm, the paper is above 250 gsm, which tends to make it stiffer and more substantial, providing a premium feel.
Heavier papers (above 250 GSM) tend to be stiffer and more substantial, providing a premium feel.
kellerkunst.comThe 265gsm matte paper used for this print is stiff enough to shed tube curl within a day of flat storage and sits flush against the frame backing without rippling. As kellerkunst.com notes,
, so DIY framing requires no extra flattening or waiting.
- Philanthropy
Every purchase contributes to building a school in rural Nepal.
Why this is supported
Each purchase is tied to a philanthropic project:
Currently, its attention is focused on helping to build a school in rural Nepal. This institution will provide education to several hundred children whilst supporting the local community.
heals.com
Image Analysis
1 images- 01
Product
A vertical art print showing two stylized, rear-facing human figures with mustard-yellow skin, dark brown scalloped hair decorated with white floral motifs, and dark maroon bikini bottoms; the smaller figure is partially overlapped by the larger figure.
- Overall compositionTwo stylized human figures shown from the rear occupying most of the vertical frame; a larger figure on the right overlaps a smaller figure on the left.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.03 · w 0.88 · h 0.94 (high) - Skin color and finishBoth figures have a warm mustard-yellow skin tone with smooth, matte painted texture and subtle shading along limbs and torso.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.20 · w 0.70 · h 0.70 (high) - Hair shape and detailHair is a dark brown, rounded scalloped block that frames the head and extends down the back, with a stylized wavy lower edge.
2 regions
x 0.56 · y 0.01 · w 0.38 · h 0.36 (high); x 0.06 · y 0.06 · w 0.34 · h 0.30 (high) - Hair floral motifsEach hair block is decorated with small white floral and leaf motifs painted along the hair's outer curve.
2 regions
x 0.62 · y 0.03 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.14 · y 0.08 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (high) - Bikini bottomsBoth figures wear dark maroon bikini-style bottoms with a solid flat-painted finish and visible edge highlights.
2 regions
x 0.56 · y 0.60 · w 0.36 · h 0.21 (high); x 0.12 · y 0.58 · w 0.34 · h 0.20 (high) - Pose and overlapThe larger right figure stands with one arm reaching across and resting on the smaller left figure's shoulder or upper back, creating a layered overlap.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.36 · w 0.50 · h 0.42 (high) - Facial and cheek detailSimplified facial features are visible in profile on the smaller figure and in partial profile on the larger figure; rounded cheek marks in a slightly darker orange are present.
2 regions
x 0.10 · y 0.12 · w 0.22 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.02 · w 0.22 · h 0.14 (high)
Other
Plain light cream background with even, diffused lighting; the image is a centered vertical crop showing the full height of the figures with slight texture visible in the background surface.
- BackgroundUniform light cream background with a subtle painted texture, no visible framing or borders.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Shot compositionVertical portrait orientation tightly crops the figures so both extend near the top and bottom edges of the image.
- Lighting and shadowsEven, soft lighting with gentle shading on the figures indicating a painted source of depth rather than photographic shadows.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.30 · w 0.56 · h 0.56 (medium)
Colors
mustard yellow· skin#A3640Cdark brown· hair#2C231Boff-white· hair floral motifsdeep maroon· bikini bottoms#2B131Epale cream· background- Overall compositionTwo stylized human figures shown from the rear occupying most of the vertical frame; a larger figure on the right overlaps a smaller figure on the left.
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/BuyFromEUPaper Collective is recommended as a Scandinavian webstore offering art prints by lesser-known artists, with a positive but passing mention.
The comment presents Paper Collective as a quality option alongside other curated print stores, with a positive tone but without detailed praise.
Themes
Use Cases
- Purchasing art prints from lesser-known artists
Compared To
vs Poster Club, Fine Little Day, Image Republic
All are European-based art print stores; Paper Collective and Poster Club are noted for focusing on lesser-known artists, while Fine Little Day offers standout nature prints and Image Republic features more familiar images.
Source Threads
Recommendation for Paper Collective as a European art print store
Paper Collective and Poster Club are very much focused around (lesser known) artists' work. Fine Little Day has a smaller selection but some standout nature ones. All Scandinavian iirc. There's also Image Republic out of Paris that's a bit more familiar images, but it's all artist based as well.
u/Mounted_Marer/BuyFromEUView thread →