Making Histories

“Imagine you are going to curate an exhibition on the history of your discipline. Compile a list of 10 practitioners (or specific pieces of work) that you would include and write brief notes on why.”

If I were to curate an exhibition on Drawing and Print, there are several prolific artists that would need to be included in order to accurately represent the history and vast array of techniques and methods that have aided in the development of the craft.

Master of the Playing Cards & Master E.S

Master of the playing cards is an anonymous German artist from the 15th century and is one of the most important early European engravers, who is known for his production of engraved prints of playing cards, 60 of which remain. Master E.S was again one of the earliest known Engravers in Europe. His line engravings are especially known for their use of crosshatching and their subtlety of tonal effect. He produced over 300 prints of religious, profane, and fantastic subjects. It is thought that he took inspiration from Master of Playing Cards as the styles are similar and from the same era and region. I think in order to accurately tell the story of the history of print it would be necessary to include their works.

Hokusai

Arguably the most famous print in the world is ‘The Great Wave’ by Hokusai. The image depicts an enormous wave threatening three boats off the coast of the town of Kanagawa while Mount Fuji rises in the background. It was published sometime between 1829 and 1833 and is a Japanese woodblock print. Considering the print and it’s accompanying pieces are already so renowned I feel it would be an essential part of any print exhibition. It would also add to the diversity in techniques displayed and show how printmaking techniques differ throughout the world

Leonardo Da-Vinci

Leonardo Da-Vinci was an artist before his time. His anatomy drawings and inventions were revolutionary, and the extreme detail with which he drew was exquisite. His drawings and accompanying notes have a unique and enticing aesthetic and I believe would be an essential part of any exhibition on the history of drawing.

Banksy

Banksy is one of the most controversial and well known artists across the globe. His art is usually used as a political protest against current events in the world. His art is not only cleverly executed but his placement is also always well thought out and has a relevance to the issue he is protesting against. Banksy’s defiance and anonymity have made him essentially a household name, and now anything he creates is held in high regard.

Salvador Dali

Salvador Dali was a multi talented artist. Though known for his surrealist paintings, melting clocks, and eccentric behavior, Dali was an incredibly skilled and trained craftsman in a multitude of disciplines. Dali’s most sought after drawings are his studies; plans for larger pieces he intended to create, however they’re so well done that they stand alone as their own legitimate pieces of art, in a similar way to Da-Vinci.

Rembrandt

Rembrandt was famous throughout his lifetime for his etchings, however as time has progressed his painting have surpassed his etchings in fame and are currently what we think of when we first hear the name Rembrandt. His prints were revolutionary and the detail they held had never before been seen in print. He adapted a process that had previously only been used by printmakers to be one of the most commonly used art forms of the modern day.