What is the history of Collagraph Printmaking?
Collagraph printmaking is a printmaking technique that involves creating a plate out of materials with varying textures and thicknesses, which is then inked and printed onto paper. The history of collagraph printmaking can be traced back to the 19th century when artists began experimenting with new printing techniques.
However, it was not until the 20th century that collagraphy became an established art form. One of the earliest practitioners of collagraphy was the Spanish artist Antoni Tapies, who began experimenting with the technique in the 1950s. Tapies used a range of materials to create textured plates, including fabric, cardboard, and sandpaper.
In the 1960s, collagraphy gained popularity among printmakers, and it became a popular technique for creating abstract prints. One of the most significant contributors to the development of collagraphy during this time was the British artist, Glen Alps. Alps developed a technique for creating collagraph plates using carborundum grit, which allowed for a greater range of tones and textures in the resulting prints.
Since the 1960s, collagraphy has continued to evolve, with artists experimenting with a wide range of materials and techniques. Today, collagraphy is a popular technique among printmakers, and it is used to create a wide range of prints, from abstract works to highly detailed and realistic images.