Review: Print Expo 2015
Last weekend’s visit to Canopy for the Print Expo was a long overdue introduction to both the artist compound and the Eastside art scene, and exceeded my expectations on every level. The weather was perfect (in early February nonetheless) for strolling along the breezewalk and chatting with new friends and allowed for a casual intake of the art displayed throughout the patio galleries. The Contemporary Print Exhibit at Big Medium and the Carlos Hernandez Un-Modern showcase at Modern Rocks were two favorites. And the ladies at Bone Black Studio were gracious hosts during the Woodcuts with Sean Starwars Workshop and later during the reception for Mr. Starwars’ work. Local design studio CogDut was another standout for me, displaying their work and printing live on a manual 4 at Art.Science.Gallery.
It was already late into the event by the time I made it into the heart of the multifloor artist space, so I was only able to pop into a few of the rooms, but I did catch some of the Deconstructive Screen Printing on Fiber Demo by Lynne Brotman, which was a casual and very informative presentation on the medium as a whole. Chun Hui Pak and her origami inspired work was a surprise favorite, and she was a pleasure to speak with. I’ve been a fan of origami since my first viewing of Blade Runner, and fell in love with it after watching the amazing documentary Between The Folds. So getting to see someone take it to a new level of personal expression was just fantastic. I also quite enjoyed the art pieces that Melissa Borrell had on display. Some of which seemed to somehow capture a bit of the kinetic art aesthetic, freezing an object in mid-movement, or a material’s momentary curves, and allowing that beauty to be appreciated.
All in all, the Print Expo was both fun and inspiring, and displayed a lot of great work. The hosts and artists I had the opportunity to speak to were warm and welcoming, and the only downside for me was that I couldn’t enjoy it longer. That’s even more true for the 2015 Print Austin event, which by all accounts, and the sheer number of citywide exhibits and showcases, was a rousing success in its endeavour to bring more attention to the local printmaking community. Next year I will be better prepared for the month long happenings, and will schedule and plan for it with a mindset previously reserved only for SXSW and ACL.
Video clips and related followups will be posted throughout the week.