The Print: Matter in Matrix

GROUP SHOW

Mar 2, 2020 - Mar 11, 2020

‘The Print: Matter in Matrix’ explores the medium of Printmaking through the constant evolution in technology and the ways artist have assimilated said new technology as a part of their practice. The exhibition through the works of over 70 artists looks at the practices in contemporary times with contextual notes on the history of Indian printmaking. Further, we also intend to the show the process of printmaking with the final work, making this show rare and unique. While providing a historical evolution, this exhibition also attempts to explore printmaking via the impact of various technological changes. What started as a simple act of taking an impression on a surface at one point, has today become a complex web of processes and technologies. Over the course of history new processes and technologies helped change the shape of this act of printing and in turn what it meant to print itself. Where it became a means for various British artists visiting India in the 18th-19th century, create editioned folios to be sold as images of an ‘exotic’ land, it enabled Chittaprosad expose the brutality of the British rule. At every moment in history, this act of printing has been a catalyst for change in the socio-cultural-political landscape. Taking this aspect of change forward, the current exhibition through its sections – academic practice, the book, digital and alternative printing, reproductions and 3-D printing, aims to look at the present situation of printmaking practice where printmaking seems to complete the full circle by going back to the concept of printing and printing technology.

CURATORIAL NOTE

Bhavna Kakar, the founder-director of Gallery Latitude 28, has a deep interest in printmaking. “I studied printmaking as a student and always felt that it is an intense and extensive art. I tried to combine my research in this exhibition that showcases the significance of printmaking as an art medium by bringing works from 60 artists in different sections like academic practice, book, digital and alternative practices, and 3D printing. The show also brings in reproductions that discuss the popular misconception of a print being a re-production. We will also have objects from history to build a narrative of how the medium of printmaking, or the act of talking a print has undergone various changes and in turn has impacted what it means to print. The exhibition will showcase etchings, woodcuts, lino-cuts, viscosity works, digital artworks, 3-D printed artworks, cyanotype artworks, alongside artist’s books and rare colonial and colonial period collectible objects. Moreover, the artists being exhibited are from various parts of country that offers the viewers an opportunity to experience printmaking works from centers like Goa, Kolkata, Chennai, Baroda, Mumbai, Raipur, Santiniketan, etc.”, says Kakar.