To the uninitiated, printmaking may conjure up images of monotonous, monochromatic newspapers. Yet, this preconceived notion stands in stark contrast to the vibrant and intricate world of printmaking—an artistic domain far from dull, characterized by its capacity to transfer creative images from one surface to another, enveloping paper or fabric with layers of texture and color.
At the heart of this artistic revelation is the Bengaluru Print Exchange International (BPEI 2023), acting as a bridge to the enthralling universe of printmaking. Celebrating its third year, BPEI 2023 is a testament to innovation and creativity, presenting the exquisite works of 60 printmakers. These artists hail from diverse geographical landscapes—34 from the vibrant soils of India and 26 from the global stage.
Delving into the creative ensemble, each artist has contributed 20 unique pieces, all confined within the standardized A4 size, transforming the paper into a canvas of endless possibilities. Suresh Kumar, the esteemed curator of the BPEI project, and a knowledgeable educator in Indian art history at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Bengaluru, asserts that this project has a core aim—to garner appreciation for printmaking as a standalone art form. The event aspires to cast a spotlight on the diligent and talented printmakers around the world, celebrating their craft and connecting them on a singular platform.
Printmaking, as Suresh elucidates, sets itself apart from photography and collage-making due to the touch of the human hand, which imprints each work with a unique signature of authenticity. At BPEI 2023, participants were free to employ printing methods which resonated with their artistic voice, resulting in an array of mezzotints, aquatints, solar plate etchings, and lithographs, to name a few.
With wonder, Suresh recalls how the team unraveled the maze of printmaking methodologies as they curated this year’s exhibition. The initiative also acts as an exchange program, fostering dialogue and understanding among the artists about the different techniques and practices prevalent whence they come. The pragmatic decision to limit print sizes to A4 was a thoughtful nod to the logistics of international transportation.
BPEI 2023 showcases the craft of Juan Sebastian Carnero from Argentina, whose six-block linocuts epitomize the unique presentations within the exhibition. The event’s outreach spans continents, with participants contributing from distant lands such as Japan, Iran, Russia, and Canada.
The event, which began as “United Vibes” in 2021 with 34 printmakers, morphed into its current form the subsequent year, noting a surge in international applications. Suresh recalls the task of sifting through 300 applications to arrive at the final 60, emphasizing their commitment to include new talent each year, thereby enriching the Indian art scene with fresh perspectives.
Gowthami M, a dedicated art student pursuing master’s in printmaking at Bangalore University discovered BPEI through social connections and validated the information via social media. Accepted in August, her journey led her to prepare prints, each requiring approximately two days, using etching and aqua tint techniques—a labor of passion for her debut exhibition.
Rajan Shripad Fulari, the dean of World University of Design and a participant himself, heralds such events as pivotal to popularizing printmaking and broadening public understanding. Celebrating the diversity embedded in this expressive art form is just another facet of BPEI’s mission.
The common misconception portrayed by Suresh is the underestimation of prints’ artistic value both in India and abroad, with a general preference leaning towards canvas works. The hope is that BPEI will challenge this perspective, an initiative which owes much of its momentum to Alka Chavda, the director of the Lavaru Art Center.
One of the ambitious goals of BPEI is to chronicle the various prints exchanged among artists while preserving others in archives for academic and awareness purposes. Enthusiasts and artists keen on participating should anticipate the next open call in June 2024, with updates to follow on their social media handle, b.p.e.i.
BPEI 2023 promises not just a feast for the eyes with its 1,200 prints but also serves as an educational foray into the intricate tapestry of printmaking. Open to public until January 15, 2024, at the Lavaru Art Center, the event welcomes visitors from 10 am to 7 pm with free entry, extending an invitation to anyone intrigued by the allure of art itself.
