The Flavin estate has announced that it will start producing and selling posthumous editions - most of Flavin's work was created in editions of 3 or 5, but were only made for exhibitions or when a buyer existed. So, many editions were not complete when Flavin died.

Detail of a Flavin installation at the Chinati Foundation in Marfa TX.

This raises serious questions. Perhaps the most significant relates to the technology of that exists today v. when Flavin was alive. Are these the same bulbs? Identical? Even the slightest difference leads to a mere "likeness" and not a genuine edition.

Who will decide and who will benefit?

The tax consequences for artist's estates will change drastically. I am guessing that the estate was valued for the assets - the physical assets left in the estate. Should artist's estates now contemplate the completion of unfinished editions when determining value.

What are the implications for art in general. A photographer with digital files dies. Can the estate continue to create edition after edition?

This is great for the Flavin estate, but the implications are far-reaching. What is genuine?

The commodification of art continues!