Revelations: Sydney Printmakers
13 - 29 Oct
A brief history of Sydney Printmakers
Since its inception in 1960 and first exhibition in 1961, Sydney printmakers has played an important role in the revival and promotion of the original print as a vital part of Australian artistic expression and culture.
As a professional exhibiting society, Sydney Printmakers provides a forum and focus for its members on issues which impact on the practice of their art, particularly in New South Wales.
Members of Sydney Printmakers demonstrate dedication and talent in showcasing their work through regular exhibition in Australia and overseas. Reciprocal exhibitions with artist printmakers from other countries allow for an exchange of techniques and viewpoints which are invaluable for artists operating in the global marketplace.
Although many other Australian print groups have been founded, none have lasted as long as Sydney Printmakers. Earlier groups such as the Australian Painter-Etchers' Society may have had a more inclusive membership, but their focus was a narrower range of print media.
Maintaining a largely volunteer run society catering to the professional needs of a diverse range of printmakers is not easy. To remain viable over a long period of time is remarkable. It is thanks to the influence and foresight of the foundation members and the ongoing dedication and energy of current members that the tradition of the society continues.
In 1999, Sydney Printmakers can be proud of their long record of exhibitions and exchange of artistic knowledge and expertise.
Margaret Blundell
August, 1999
"Revelations" is an evocative yet familiar theme. Artists have often been concerned with revealing the eternal behind the transient, the extraordinary in the ordinary or making visible the invisible. Intense observation and reflection bring to light what most of us overlook. A place we may pass through every day, yet not notice, is revealed to us when it is re-presented in a work of art.
The works in this exhibition are artists' responses to revelations in their many guises. Some have focussed on spiritual revelation and mysticism, while others provide insights into a place, emotion or experience. Mystery often surrounds revelation, and so some works offer hints, suggestions, or glimpses - capturing our imaginations and leading us to our own discoveries.
Printmaking itself is a process of progressively revealing images. It requires patience and methodical application to make an image unfold. Despite the painstaking process, faster technologies are not displacing traditional print forms. Rather, traditional forms such as lithography, wood cuts, etchings and collographs continue to be practised, and are still evolving as artists experiment and innovate.
Relevations: Sydney Printmakers uncovers some of this rich creativity.
Image:
Anne Starling Inner City 1999
