To the mind of an amateur art lover, the word ‘printmaking’ is often misinterpreted as computer generated print. Very few are aware that printmaking is one the most skilled and tedious processes. Even fewer artists are skilled enough to work in printmaking.
Print making is a more skilled process as compared to painting, as it involves a lot of hard work, technical skill and a variety of textures. The major styles of printmaking include Relief (woodcut, linocut etc) and Intaglio (etching, dry point etc). Then there are serigraphs, lithography and other forms. In Relief and Intaglio, the artist sketches on the surface of wood or zinc plate, in case of etching, then carves the solid surface before applying ink on the solid surface.
Finally, the impression is transferred onto the papers registered next to the solid surface.
Lithography or Oleograph is a printmaking process invented in 1798, based on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. It is a process wherein the stone is wetted with the use of various chemicals and gum Arabic. It’s known for its ability to capture fine gradations in shading and very small detail.
In India, the most popular printmaking forms are woodcut, lithography, etching, dry point and serigraphs. The Portuguese brought the art form to Goa around 1556 and it was in 1894 that legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma established his litho printing press in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. These days, printmaking continues to thrive in places like Shantiniketan and Baroda. In fact, the Maharaja Sayajiro University Baroda has a huge printmaking press and one of the most skilled teaching faculty.
Baroda also has the historical Chaap Baroda collective that was formed by legendary artists Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, Vijay Bagodi and others. It provides opportunities for print makers to develop their work.
Interestingly, the biggest collector of prints in India is Waswo Waswo X, an American photographer who has made India his home and has initiated a series of art awareness exhibitions in association with National Gallery of Modern Art. His travelling show 'See Between the Lines' included lectures, interactions, workshops, and exhibitions across India.
Printmaking stalwarts include senior artists like Jyoti Bhatt from Baroda, Anupam Sud, Laxma Goud, Somnath Hore, and Krishna Reddy. Younger artists working in the medium are Subrat Behera, Venugopal V .G., Urmila V.G., Aishwaryan K., Sujata Sejekan, Priya Sawale, and M. Praveen Goud.
An important point to keep in mind while collecting prints, is to ensure that the artist has created a limited edition of the work, because printmaking includes multiple editions. The print should also be signed by the artist in pencil and mention the number and edition below. Forms like woodcut, lithography, linocut, etching and woodcut are highly appreciated.
