Wood Type, Evolved Artwork Displayed at Columbia College September 8, 2011

Wood Type, Evolved defines a global, burgeoning mode of activity in which contemporary artists are producing artwork through the development of new experimental printing techniques based on traditional letterpress materials—particularly wood type.

Why wood type, why now? While the widespread industrial production of wood type dates from 1827 into the late 1970s, a recent resurgence in letterpress printing combined with the increasing availability of commercially “obsolete” production equipment has created room for dialogue and opportunity. This has fueled experimentation in artist studios, presses and print shops around the world.

Through the display of artwork and examples of printing surfaces, Wood Type, Evolved will also reveal how laser cut, hand engraved, acrylic and otherwise manipulated types are becoming ways to engage a traditional style exemplified by wood type through contemporary fabrication techniques.

Wood Type, Evolved marks the United States debut of Swiss fast emerging designer and artist Dafi Kühne. Kühne is known for his experimental approach to design and extensive research on innovative uses of wood type and letterpress using not only laser cutters and other digital tools but “diy” strategies such as cardboard.
Also on display will be a large collection of prints and films by artists who are using already existing wood type in experimental and playful ways.

Artists include: David Wolske, Bethany Heck, Brad Vetter, Alex Cooper, Rose Gridneff, and David Shields.

Films by Judith Poirier and Barbara Tettenbaum.]

Sept. 8–Dec. 10
Opening reception: 5–8 p.m., Sept. 8
Held in association with Columbia College campus wide Art Walk
Gallery hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Saturday

RELATED PROGRAMMING:

•Curator Tour and Open Studio event
6 p.m., Oct. 6
Held in association with Chicago Artists Month
1104 S. Wabash, Second Floor; Free

•Visiting Artist Talk: Dafi Kühne, Sward Visiting Artist
6 p.m., Oct. 27
1104 S. Wabash, Second Floor.; Free

INFO: 312.369.6630

Official Website: http://www.colum.edu/bookandpaper