The power of the print.Three Decades of Printmaking printmaking Art form consisting of the production of images, usually on paper but occasionally on fabric, parchment, plastic, or other support, by various techniques of multiplication, under the direct supervision of or by the hand of the artist. : The Brandywine Workshop Collection Introduction by Halima Taha, Ph.D. Hudson Hills Press, October 2004 $50, ISBN ISBN abbr. International Standard Book Number ISBN International Standard Book Number ISBN n abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m 1-555-95241-0 Beautiful, innovative printmaking by some of the most important artists of the 20th and 21st century is at the heart of the luscious look at The Brandywine Workshop, a Philadelphia treasure that has existed for more than 30 years. Reading the essays that place the art in context, one is struck by the power of an idea well executed. The workshop, no doubt, has amassed an important collection of prints produced there. How those prints have been made over three decades is an important story as well. Most who have participated in the Visiting-Artist-in-Residence program have largely worked in mediums other than printmaking. The experience has given artists--largely those of color--from some 35 states and 15 foreign countries both the opportunity and the challenge to create interesting and provocative limited-edition prints. (Brandywine prints are struck in editions of 100 prints and 20 artist's proofs a very early proof impression of an engraving, or the like; - often distinguished by the artist's signature. See also: Proof .) What is abundantly clear is that the Brandywine Workshop is a smashing success. In fact, Halima Taha, one of the leading experts on art created by African Americans African American Multiculture A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. See Race. , notes in an essay that Allan L. Edmunds, Brandywine's founder and director, has earned "international stature" because of the workshop's ongoing apprenticeship apprenticeship, system of learning a craft or trade from one who is engaged in it and of paying for the instruction by a given number of years of work. The practice was known in ancient Babylon, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as in modern Europe and to some extent programs and its commitment to developing culturally diverse, limited fine-art prints. All that bodes quite well for the devoted art patron and anyone who collects or simply is passionate about contemporary printmaking. While the varied essays are interesting and required reading, it is the 126 color plates and 21 halftones found within the book-work done by influential artists while they apprenticed ap·pren·tice n. 1. One bound by legal agreement to work for another for a specific amount of time in return for instruction in a trade, art, or business. 2. at Brandywine--that are the real joy of this majestic-fine arts book. The offering is a visual delight. Michael Days is managing editor of The Daily News of Philadelphia and a longtime long·time adj. Having existed or persisted for a long time: a longtime friend; a longtime resident of Detroit. longtime Adjective collector of works by African American artists. |
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