Art & DesignCulture

INK Printmaking Exhibition 44AD

February 28, 2017

INK is a dynamic and bold printmaking exhibition from Bath Spa University students which explores the creative possibilities of the print medium. The exhibition showcases traditional screenprinting techniques, digital prints and prints on unusual mediums such as aluminium, concrete and fabric. INK starts on Tuesday 28 February and runs until Sunday 5 March at a gallery space just off Bath Abbey Square called 44AD.

Seven third year Contemporary Art students from Bath Spa University joined together to showcase their work as part of an Independent Project. The majority of the artists specialise in textiles as well as ceramics and 3D printing. Their similar tastes and affinity for the printmaking process meant they really enjoyed collaborating. The printmakers have been busy organising and anticipating the exhibition since October.

Opening night sees 44AD full and buzzing with energy and curiosity. The artists embraced the opportunity to network with creative-minded people and sell their unique pieces.

Screenprint by Issy Kirwan © Megan Vincent-Pearsall

Issy Kirwan produces intricate screenprints as above. A selection of her prints were also available to purchase, ranging from £15 to £40 with a variety of sizes to choose from. Samples also included a selection of the artists’ work and a behind-the-scenes look into the progress of the wall prints.

Ceira Crainer’s brightly patterned Glow Series was a highlight of the show. Ceira creates ‘perfectly imperfect prints and patterns’ and features her designs for cushions, swimsuits and deckchairs on Instagram. I learn that screenprinting is a complex, experimental process that takes patience and many attempts to get exactly right. The fraction often labelled on the print stands for its group or ‘batch’ of prints made at one time. 1/1 means one absolute unique piece that would be impossible for the artist to replicate.

Lucy Oates’ pieces play with the reflections of light in the space, revealing diverse shapes and ‘a projection of patterns and colours she experiences everyday.’ She specialises in working with recycled materials and has only recently discovered experimenting with 3D structured forms.

Print on aluminium by Lucy Oates. © Megan Vincent-Pearsall

The Negative by Erica Waite © Megan Vincent-Pearsall

Screenprint by Sherran Nagra © Megan Vincent-Pearsall

Screenprint by Jo Wright @iprintthings © Megan Vincent-Pearsall

Embrace by Rebecca Harris @rebeccahtextiles  – Screenprint on fabric. © Megan Vincent-Pearsall

The artists praised and thanked Katie O’Brien, an ex-Bath Spa University student who runs 44AD and helped the artists exhibit for the week. 44AD has been under threat with recent plans to increase the rent. A petition urges B&NES council to negotiate a fair long-term lease to keep 44AD at its current location, as a space for contemporary arts and the community.

Visit 44AD before Sunday 5 March to experience printmaking and support the artists by purchasing their work and prints. For more information on the exhibition, check out the Facebook event.

 

Feature Image: Glow Series by Ceira Crainer © Megan Vincent-Pearsall

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