Purdue Galleries showcases printmaking from around the world
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Galleries will present "Global Matrix III" an international printmaking exhibition that will fill both the Stewart Center and Robert L. Ringel galleries in Purdue Memorial Union from Jan. 9 through Feb. 19.
Global Matrix III is a contemporary review of fine art printmaking from around the world organized as a traveling exhibition in the United States from 2012-14. Previous installments of Global Matrix were presented in 2002 and 2007. With this year's chosen works, the exhibits have featured a total of 225 works representing 180 individual artists from 31 countries around the world.
Working together again to select works for Global Matrix III were: Kimberly Vito, associate professor of art & art history at Wright State University; Kathryn Reeves, professor of art & design at Purdue University; Sean Caulfield, associate professor of art & design at the University of Alberta; and Craig Martin, director of the Purdue University Galleries.
In essence, the art of making a print is the act of transferring a mark - from an object, with ink, to a piece of paper or other. The primary element of a print is a "matrix," defined as "that within which, or within and from which, something originates, takes form, or develops." It can be as simple as the pad of a person's thumb, hence "thumbprint," but it usually refers to an object that has been modified by the artist for the specific purpose of transferring an image and can include metal plates, wood blocks and other materials.
A print matrix can be used to transfer the same image a number of times. While providing more of the same image to sell or distribute, the matrix allows the artist to explore variations of image effects by simply changing the color of the ink for each printing without having to redraw the image each time.
From its origins in text printing and book illustration, prints have sustained an intimacy that allows the viewer to stand in close proximity and experience the artist's vision at the same scale the artist enjoyed when he or she created it. Printmaking artists continue to utilize some of the earliest developed techniques, such as woodblock relief printing, while also adapting latter-day computer technologies. Examples of both ends of the spectrum are included in the Global Matrix exhibit.
The curators reviewed submissions based upon quality of image, concept, and inventiveness of approach, while looking to include a wide representation of geographic origins.
From 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 12, Purdue Galleries will host opening receptions in both galleries, with refreshments in the Ringel Gallery and free printmaking activities in the Stewart Center Gallery, led by ArtCart volunteers.
The Stewart Center Gallery and the Robert L. Ringel Gallery are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. All Purdue Galleries exhibitions and events are free and open to the public
For class and group visits, contact Craig Martin at Purdue Galleries at 765-494-3061. For more information, visit http://www.purdue.edu/galleries.
Contact: Craig Martin, 765-494-3061, cdmartin@purdue.edu
