Prince Collection
A decade in the making, this collection is my tribute to Prince — built from my original 2016 painting that reached millions, and continues to evolve today.
THE IMAGE PEOPLE REMEMBER
In 2016, this painting took on a life of its own — shared across the world in the days following Prince’s passing.
For many, it became tied to a moment — something they saw, felt, and didn’t forget.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT
I painted the original in the days following Prince’s passing, then shared it on my Greg Mankis Design Facebook page and offered to give it away as a random act of kindness.
What happened next was unexpected. The image spread quickly — generating tens of thousands of messages, over 90,000 comments, and more than 85,000 shares.
Instead of selling it, I gave the original away. Then I produced ten signed canvas reproductions and gave those away too — sending them to people across the country.
That moment changed everything. It led to new work, new opportunities, and ultimately set the direction for what I’ve built since.
EVOLVING THE WORK
That original painting didn’t stay where it started. Over time, I revisited the piece — refining it, reworking it, and pushing it further through new approaches.
What began as a single moment gradually evolved into a series — each version building on the last, while holding onto the identity people recognized from the beginning.
Prince (2016)
The original painting — the image that spread and reached millions.
Prince (2020)
Layered with oil pastel — adding depth through material and tone.
Prince (2026)
Now built as a 2-piece system — reworked into a format you can own.
IT DIDN'T END THERE
What started as a reaction turned into something permanent.
Not just a painting — but a shift in direction, a body of work, and everything that followed.
Ten years later, it’s still moving.