Print's Golden Era? The Standard thinks so!
Filed Under: press On: April 20, 2010 posted by: youngna

The first printed matter is thought to be traced back to the 8th Century, though the date, materials and country of origin are frequently contested. However, the refrain (abuzz the Internet) in recent years has more commonly read, "Is print dead?" as publications close left and right.
While magazines might be moving online and off paper, Jenny Wilhide of the London Evening Standard reports that in the art world, "Works on paper seem to be breeding like rabbits." Prints can bring versions of famous works that are unusually un-framable or unaffordable into wall-friendly and wallet-friendly proportions. And, prints are also a very fine art when in the hands of master printers. Techniques can range from lithography and screen-print to digital printing, and the qualities that emerge from this craft are finally being more widely recognized.
Wilhide attributes the rise in print popularity to the craft, the attainable price, and iconic works like Shepard Fairey's Obama Hope poster creating widespread awareness of the medium. She also gives nod to 20x200, writing, "The word in the US press about 20x200 is: 'Buy fast. When they're gone, they're gone.' 'Tis true: a sold out edition rewards fast-finders, but the good news is: there's lots to choose from.

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