Proposal Abstract

Graphics, which has existed for millennia as one of the fields of art, is still doing well. Especially in Poland, where it has had a strong position for many years. During this time, although it has evolved in different directions, it has maintained its place at all academies in the country, where it is highly evaluated and perceived in the world. Used by recognised printmakers, it assumes various forms, not limited by the workshop or the possibility of making editions. On the contrary, the possibilities introduced by modern technologies have become tempting for printmakers, allowing for experiments within the chosen medium and enriching traditionally created matrices. Matrices have been treated by many in a personal way. Often these matrices are a work of art or are used only once to create unique prints. Today, ‘graphics’ no longer refer only to the methods or the reproduction of the image; today, graphics are colourful and intriguing, involving the recipient and touching upon important topics.

This talk will present the history of printmaking in Poland from a subjective point of view. It will show various creative attitudes based on traditional techniques which have excellent professional background, as well as methods beyond the framework of traditional graphics. In the past, the title ‘serigraphy’ was not considered worthy of artistic graphics and digital realisations were reluctant. Nowadays, at competitions or graphic reviews, artists show installations, unique prints, personal techniques, prints on different grounds or with additional elements of video and sound.

Polish printmaking is constantly evolving and vividly reacting to social, political and historical changes. It is an intriguing case study within the printmaking discipline based on individual and collaborative trends.