Six Centuries of Printmaking, Part II: 1800s to the Present December 5, 2009

December 5, 2009 through January 3, 2010

ArtZone 461 Gallery is pleased to present in our Main Space the second half of “Six Centuries of Printmaking.” The exhibit provides an overview of the printing process itself and documents an evolution in technique and purpose. Contemporary prints as well as 18th and 19th century examples are included.

Printmaking traces the evolution of media, first made for or available only to the clergy, royalty and upper classes. Early prints were intended for education, certification, and the spreading of information to the masses of uneducated peoples. As time passed, printing became accessible to the general, secular population and influenced the direction of, and created an audience for, both fine art and advertising presses.

With the invention of color lithography, printmaking reached a pinnacle in advertising posters from the late 19th through mid 20th centuries. This show includes Belle Époque French posters of the 1890s to Russian propaganda posters from the early 1960s. At the time, digital imaging barely existed. Twenty first century prints in the show reflect the emergence of fine art presses and experimental approaches.

The main gallery will also show some oil paintings by Terry Thompson. His works depict vintage neon signage and they provide a connection between contemporary and historic advertising; these works also preview Thompson’s 2010 solo show at ArtZone.

Opening Reception Saturday December 5, 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Official Website: http://artzone461.com