Learning to Appreciate the Art of Printmaking

Friday 09th September 2011

Prints and printmaking can by something of a mystery, especially to those new to the medium, and to buyers and collectors of fine art. Often, the mistake is made in thinking of prints as simple copies of paintings, or second rate works of art, but this is far from the truth.

Original prints are, in themselves, a rich and varied medium where artists and printmakers have put a great deal of time, effort and technical know-how into creating works of art that are unique (yes, unique!), tactile and rich in subject matter.

Gallereo is going to be showing at the NewcastleGateshead Art Fair at the end of this month, and we were glad to hear that, in conjunction with the Contemporary Art Society, they are going to deliver a programme of talks and discussions based on a theme of "Collecting Prints and Editions". Especially as we have a number of printmakers on show this year, including Marion Kui and Ben Quail, as well as having some prints from Dutch artist Hans Meertens.

The Contemporary Art Society and the NG Art Fair hope to raise awareness of prints as a collectable medium and as a way for beginners to start to build a notable collection on a smaller budget, given that prints are generally more conservatively priced than paintings.

A big part of the talks will be to reduce the stigma placed upon prints that puts them as second rate to paintings or sculptures. The art fair press on the matter makes a great point that prints often do play a part in an artists career at some point as they seek to express themselves, but also that some artists have built an entire career out of printmaking. Notable names on that list would include Bridget Riley, Richard Hamilton, Damien Hirst, Grayson Perry and of course, Andy Warhol.

As well as looking at the collecting side of things, there will also be talks that focus on the different types of print that you might come across such as linocuts, etchings, and screen prints. Each type of print has its own identifying qualities and make the world of printmaking hugely varied.

If you're interested in prints, or want to find out more, the NewcastleGateshead Art Fair is providing a good opportunity to get involved, and even add to your collection.

We're going to be at stand P4 where you'll be able to see a selection of etchings, linocuts and screen prints, and (if you're there on Thursday 29th) you'll be able to speak to the printmakers themselves.

All images are courtesy of Marion Kuit, and feature snippets of her prints.

Posted on September 09th 2011 on 05:45pm

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